URGENT UPDATE: The Miss USA Organization has confirmed that it has finally paid Addie Carver, the newly crowned Miss Teen USA 2024, her long-awaited $10,000 scholarship prize, nearly a year after it was promised by the previous administration. This significant payment was made in September 2025, marking a crucial step in rectifying the issues left by the previous ownership.
Carver, who was crowned in August 2024, had faced uncertainty regarding her scholarship amid ongoing lawsuits surrounding the pageant. The former Miss USA CEO, Laylah Rose, is accused of failing to distribute various prizes, including funds owed to Carver and other titleholders. The Miss USA Organization, now under the leadership of Thom Brodeur, is working to restore trust and credibility after a tumultuous period.
In a recent video before her final walk on October 23, 2025, Carver expressed her gratitude for the new leadership, stating, “This new leadership has taken care of me a lot — way more than I’ve had in the past year.” She highlighted the positive changes, saying, “They’ve really amplified my experience, making my year 10 times better.”
The backdrop of this payment includes a lawsuit filed by JKN Universe, which oversees the Miss Universe Organization, against Rose’s company, VVV Global Ent. The complaint alleges that VVV created a “toxic work environment” and failed to pay Alma Cooper, Miss USA 2024, her $100,000 salary alongside the scholarship funds owed to Carver and previous winners. The situation escalated as both Carver and the Miss Teen USA 2023 winner, UmaSofia Srivastava, reported unpaid prizes.
Carver was unaware of the legal intricacies but confirmed that her agent had been seeking the scholarship funds since February 2025. JKN became involved after learning of the unpaid prize, prompting the new leadership to act swiftly to resolve the issue.
In response to the allegations, VVV filed a countersuit, denying claims of unpaid scholarships and stating that Cooper’s salary was not provided due to her status as an active member of the U.S. Army. The countersuit claims that the Army’s policies prevented Cooper from receiving an outside salary.
New evidence has surfaced, including an agreement between the U.S. Army and Miss USA, which outlines that Cooper could receive compensation for approved work but was restricted in salary acceptance due to her military duties.
Moving forward, the Miss USA Organization has revamped its prize packages. The new Miss Teen USA winner now stands to receive $25,000 in cash, a four-year scholarship at Mississippi State University, and a feature in Teen Vogue. Carver expressed mixed feelings about the new benefits, humorously admitting, “I’m a little bit jealous I’m not gonna get to have all of that myself.”
As she prepares to pass on her crown, Carver reflects on her journey, emphasizing the importance of inspiring future competitors. “I really was trying to keep the faith in myself and hopefully keep inspiring young girls to still compete,” she stated.
With these recent developments, the Miss USA Organization aims to restore its reputation and engage positively with its community. Fans and followers eagerly await the next chapter in the pageant’s evolution as new leadership promises to uphold the integrity and honor of these prestigious titles.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
