URGENT UPDATE: The Miss USA Organization has confirmed it has finally paid Addie Carver, the crowned Miss Teen USA 2024, her long-awaited $10,000 scholarship prize, nearly a year after it was promised. This payment comes amidst ongoing leadership changes and legal disputes within the pageant organization.
Carver, who was officially crowned in August 2024, faced significant delays in receiving her scholarship due to alleged mismanagement under the previous leadership of Laylah Rose, former CEO of Miss USA. Reports indicate that the payment was made in September 2025, following a lawsuit filed by JKN Universe, the current overseer of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, against Rose’s company, VVV Global Ent., for failing to distribute promised funds.
The Miss USA Organization has been working to rectify the issues left by the previous administration. In a statement to Business Insider, officials confirmed that payments to Carver and her family were verified through screenshots of Venmo and Zelle transactions. “This new leadership has taken care of me a lot — way more than I’ve had in the past year,” Carver stated, expressing her relief and gratitude towards the current team.
The backdrop of this situation includes a broader legal complaint filed by JKN Universe, which accuses Rose of creating a toxic work environment and mishandling the financial obligations owed to the winners of the pageant. Notably, Miss USA 2024, Alma Cooper, is also involved in this situation, with allegations that she was denied her $100,000 salary due to her active duty status in the U.S. Army.
In a significant twist, a countersuit filed by VVV asserts that they complied with all financial obligations, challenging the claims made by the new management. This legal back-and-forth underscores the turmoil surrounding the organization as it attempts to rebuild its reputation.
Carver had previously mentioned the “ups and downs” of her reign during her farewell speech on October 23, 2025, hinting at the challenges she faced behind the scenes. With the new leadership, she expressed optimism for future contestants, stating, “I’m a little bit jealous I’m not gonna get to have all of that myself, but I’m so excited for our new winner.”
As the Miss USA Organization continues to restructure, the prize packages for future winners have been significantly enhanced, promising $25,000 in cash, a four-year scholarship to Mississippi State University, and a feature in Teen Vogue for the new Miss Teen USA. “They definitely gave me hope, and I think a lot of other people hope too,” Carver reflected on her experience, highlighting the emotional journey amid the chaos.
This development serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in organizations that impact young women’s lives. With the situation still unfolding, many will be watching closely to see how the Miss USA Organization continues to evolve under the leadership of Thom Brodeur.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
