Miss North Carolina USA pageant producers fire back after winner says she lost title over faith

The stripping of a Miss North Carolina USA winner's crown was due to "the totality of the circumstances" of her past objectionable speech and not her conservative politics or Christian beliefs, according to organizers.

"A Blaize Productions’ decision was not based on Brittany Boltinhouse’s political views, religious beliefs, or protected personal viewpoints," according to a statement released by the organization that holds the North Carolina state license for the Miss USA pageant.

"Our...