Bella Bautista, a 22-year-old transgender woman and Miss Buckhead USA 2025, has decided to withdraw from the Miss Georgia USA pageant. In an Instagram post, she explained her decision, citing a conflict of values with the organization. "With a heavy heart, I am officially relinquishing my title as Miss Buckhead USA 2025. When I joined this pageant, I did so with the hope of breaking barriers, inspiring others, and showing that representation matters. However, after deep reflection, I have come to the decision that the organization's affiliations and actions no longer align with my personal values and my mission for inclusivity and a world free of discrimination," Bautista said, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Despite stepping down, Bautista remains committed to advocating for transgender rights and representation. "It breaks my heart that this moment won't come to fruition, but I remain committed to my purpose. I entered this competition to show that transgender women belong, that we are deserving of space, celebration, and the chance to pursue our dreams—nothing about that has changed," she stated in a FOX 5 Atlanta report. Bautista's decision was influenced by concerns over how she might be received at the competition and her desire to be treated equally. However, the organization's affiliations led her to withdraw.
After leaving the pageant, Bautista initiated legal proceedings against the pageant's production company, Greenwood Productions. While details of the lawsuit have not been disclosed, Bautista expressed confidence that “[T]he truth will unfold, and justice will be served soon," according to a statement obtained by Rough Draft Atlanta.
She has also set up a GoFundMe page to support her legal efforts and future goals, including her participation in another pageant and finishing her degree.
Attempts to contact Greenwood Productions, led by Kim Greenwood and her husband Lee Greenwood, have not received a response. The Greenwoods have been public supporters of Donald Trump and attended his inauguration. Greenwood Productions had previously stated that they look forward to welcoming all eligible contestants to the Miss Georgia USA pageant, as reported to FOX 5 Atlanta before Bautista's announcement.
