Beauty Queen Stripped of Title Amid Shocking Felony Case

A national pageant revoked its titleholder's crown just over a week after her victory. Beauty queen Mekyla Li, representing Massachusetts, won the Miss Grand USA competition in Las Vegas on August 10. In an Instagram post, Li wrote she was 'on cloud nine' over her win. However, on August 19, the Miss Grand USA organization terminated her title and released her from all associated duties in a statement that mispelled her first name. The organization cited contractual policies but did not specify the exact violations. Li was accused of a hit-and-run, along with other charges, including causing non-serious and permanent serious injury. She was arrested on November 24, 2024, and pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on March 19. Li’s previous marriage from August 2018 to December 2019 conflicts with Miss Grand USA’s eligibility rules, which prohibit candidates who have ever been married or pregnant. The pageant’s criteria also require a clean personal record, no criminal history, and compliance with specific physical and age requirements. Li was previously crowned Miss Asia USA 2025 and Miss Grand USA Massachusetts 2026. Her successor, Miss Grand Indiana Victoria Oluwakotanmi, is the first runner-up. Li was scheduled to compete at Miss Grand International in India on October 10 but has yet to announce her successor.