Miss Grand USA, Mekyla Li, has been stripped of her title just one week after she was crowned following revelations about an alleged 2024 hit-and-run and a previous marriage.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

The Miss Grand USA organisation announced that Li’s reign had been terminated and that she had been released from the “Miss Grand USA Title and all associated duties” for violating the pageant’s rules.

“This decision was made in accordance with contractual policies outlined by the Miss Grand USA organisation,” the organisation said in a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday.

Li, 27, is facing two felony charges stemming from an alleged hit-and-run in Los Angeles in November 2024, according to court records obtained by People.

📌 Key Details

She was arrested on November 24, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that she caused non-serious injury and permanent serious injury.

According to a civil lawsuit reported by People, Li and a man identified as Michael Scobey allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic on Sunset Boulevard and collided with a vehicle driven by Anna Mercedes Aoun.

Aoun alleged that she suffered “catastrophic injuries,” including “some permanent disability,” as well as loss of future income.

She further alleged that Li and Scobey failed to call emergency services following the crash and instead “fled the scene” in a rideshare vehicle.

Aoun is seeking damages for medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings and other expenses, as well as a jury trial.

Li’s previous marriage also appears to conflict with the eligibility requirements of the Miss Grand International pageant.

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria