Nigerian-American Beauty Queen Crowned Miss Grand USA After Original Winner’s Removal
Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been named Miss Grand USA 2026 after the organisation removed Mekayla Li from the title less than two weeks after she won the crown.
Oluwakotanmi, who placed first runner-up at the August 10 contest, will now take over Li’s responsibilities and represent the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant in India later this year.
The change followed the Miss Grand USA organisation’s decision to end Li’s reign and release her from the title and its associated duties.
The organisation cited contractual policies in announcing the decision.
Li’s removal came amid revelations about a previous marriage and a criminal case connected to an alleged hit-and-run in Los Angeles in 2024.
According to court records, Li, 27, was married to Danny Ray Bedwell between August 2018 and December 2019.
The marriage appears inconsistent with Miss Grand International’s eligibility requirements, which prohibit contestants from being married or having previously been married.
The pageant’s rules also state that contestants must have a clean personal record without a criminal history.
Li was arrested on November 24, 2024, over two felony allegations arising from the reported hit-and-run. She has pleaded not guilty.
A civil lawsuit filed by Anna Mercedes Aoun alleges that Li and Michael Scobey swerved into oncoming traffic on Sunset Boulevard and collided with her vehicle.
Aoun claims the crash left her with catastrophic injuries, including permanent disability, and resulted in lost future income.
She also alleges that Li and Scobey left the scene without contacting emergency services.
With Li’s removal, Oluwakotanmi has now inherited the crown and the opportunity to compete at the international level.
The Miss Grand USA organisation said the Nigerian-American beauty queen would “carry the crown” and begin a new chapter with the organisation.
It also appealed to the public to refrain from bullying, harassment, defamation and personal attacks following the controversy surrounding Li.
Oluwakotanmi previously held the Miss Black San Antonio title in 2020 and competed in the Miss Texas USA pageant in 2023.
She will now represent the United States as Miss Grand USA 2026 at the upcoming international competition in India.
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