Miss Grand USA strips Mekayla Li of title amid ongoing hit-and-run charges

Miss Grand USA has revoked Mekayla Li’s title just a week after her coronation, citing ongoing hit-and-run charges. The organization announced the termination of Li’s reign on Instagram, stating it followed contractual policies but did not specify the reason. Li faces two felony hit-and-run charges from a November 2024 incident in Los Angeles, where she allegedly left the scene after a collision. Court records show she pleaded not guilty to charges involving non-serious and permanent serious injury at her March 19 arraignment. A civil lawsuit also names Li and Michael Scobey as defendants, seeking damages. Li was previously married from 2018 to 2019. Miss Grand International’s eligibility criteria prohibit contestants from being or having been married or pregnant. Shortly after the announcement, Victoria Oluwakotanmi was introduced as the new titleholder, taking over the role to represent the United States.