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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Victoria Oluwakotanmi named Miss Grand USA 2026 after Mekayla Li's dethronement

Victoria Oluwakotanmi named Miss Grand USA 2026 after Mekayla Li's dethronement

Published Aug 22, 2026 11:56 am

At A Glance

  • Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been named Miss Grand USA 2026 after Mekayla Li was dethroned less than two weeks after winning the pageant.

Victoria Oluwakotanmi of Indiana is the new Miss Grand USA 2026, stepping into the title days after the organization ended Mekayla Li’s reign.

Oluwakotanmi, who finished as first runner-up in the pageant, was formally named the new titleholder by the Miss Grand USA Organization on Friday, August 21.

The organization announced the change on Instagram, saying Oluwakotanmi will now carry the Miss Grand USA crown and represent the United States internationally.

Her appointment comes after Li, who represented Massachusetts, was stripped of the title less than two weeks after winning the national pageant.

The Miss Grand USA Organization announced Li’s removal on August 19, saying only that her reign was terminated in accordance with its contractual policies.

It did not identify the specific provisions involved.

The organization also asked the public to keep discussions surrounding the change respectful.

Reports have since surfaced about issues involving Li, including an ongoing legal case stemming from an alleged 2024 hit-and-run and records showing a previous marriage.

Both matters appear to conflict with Miss Grand International’s eligibility requirements.
However, the organization itself has not publicly confirmed that either matter was the specific reason for Li’s removal.
Li has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.

With the succession now settled, Oluwakotanmi will take on the responsibilities that came with the crown and represent the United States at the international pageant.

Fans aren't satisfied with it.

They have since been urging the organization to give her a formal crowning ceremony, noting that she did not get the traditional moment of being crowned when she initially finished as first runner-up.

Related Tags

Victoria Oluwakotanmi Miss Grand USA 2026 Mekayla Li Miss Grand USA
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