Mekyla Li’s reign as Miss Grand USA 2026 has come to an abrupt end, just days after she was crowned, following revelations about her previous marriage and an alleged hit-and-run case.
The Miss Grand USA organisation announced that Li had been removed from the title and relieved of all responsibilities connected to the crown, citing its contractual and eligibility requirements.
According to court records cited in reports, Li, 27, is facing two felony charges linked to an alleged November 2024 hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles. She has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The case reportedly stems from a collision on Sunset Boulevard. A civil lawsuit filed by another person involved in the incident alleges that the victim suffered serious injuries and that Li and another individual left the scene without contacting emergency services. The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
Li’s previous marriage also became a major issue. Records reportedly show that she was married to Danny Ray Bedwell between August 2018 and December 2019.
The revelation appears to conflict with Miss Grand International’s eligibility requirements, which state that contestants must not have been married or pregnant and must meet the organisation’s standards regarding personal conduct.
Li had won the Miss Grand USA crown on August 10 and was preparing to represent the United States at the international competition later this year. Her reign, however, lasted only a matter of days before the organisation announced the withdrawal of her title.
Following the decision, Miss Grand USA selected Victoria Oluwakotanmi, who finished as first runner-up, to take over the crown.
Oluwakotanmi, who previously held the Miss Grand Indiana title, will now assume the duties of Miss Grand USA 2026 and represent the United States internationally.
The organisation described the transition as a new chapter and urged the public to exercise restraint amid the controversy, discouraging harassment, bullying and personal attacks against those involved.
The sudden change has sparked widespread discussion among pageant fans, particularly over eligibility rules, transparency and the level of background checks conducted before contestants receive major titles.
