Miss Grand USA Mekyla Li has reportedly lost her title after the pageant organisation said she violated its rules.
The organisation announced the termination of Li’s position as Miss Grand USA, including her responsibilities associated with the title.
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The decision comes as Li faces two felony charges connected to an alleged hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles in November 2024.
According to court records obtained by PEOPLE, Li was arrested on November 24, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to allegations that she caused both a non-serious injury and a permanent serious injury.
Court records also reportedly show that Li was previously married to Danny Ray Bedwell. The couple were married from August 9, 2018, until December 31, 2019.
Her previous marriage appears to conflict with the eligibility requirements of Miss Grand International, according to the pageant’s rules.
The rules state that contestants “cannot be or have been married or pregnant” and “must have a clean personal record with no criminal history.”
The legal case against Li stems from an alleged November 2024 collision in Los Angeles.
According to a civil lawsuit reported by the outlet, Li and a man identified as Michael Scobey allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic on Sunset Boulevard before colliding with a vehicle driven by Anna Mercedes Aoun.
Aoun has alleged that she suffered “catastrophic injuries,” including “some permanent disability,” as well as losing future income as a result of the crash.
She further alleges that Li and Scobey did not contact emergency services after the collision and instead “fled the scene” in a rideshare vehicle.
Aoun is seeking a jury trial and damages covering medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings and “various and sundry expenses.”
Li has pleaded not guilty to the criminal allegations, and the claims made in the civil lawsuit remain allegations unless established in court.
The pageant organisation’s decision means Li will no longer hold the Miss Grand USA title or carry out duties connected to the position.
Read the statement below…………