The Miss Gamecock pageant at the University of South Carolina has been suspended after allegations of financial mismanagement and missing scholarship funds. Both current and former titleholders raised concerns. Kirby Helms, the current Miss Gamecock 2025, said she was promised about $3,500 in scholarships but has not received any payment. Helms said the funds were intended to pay for her final semester at USC.
Financial issues began earlier this year when contestants were told to send entry fees to personal payment accounts instead of the official club account. Lea Foster Kahlil, Miss Gamecock 2024, confirmed this change and said she did not know what happened to the funds after they were sent. Former president Christina Harding and former treasurer Sarah White said that, during their time, finances were managed properly and kept in official accounts.
The university’s Office of Student Conduct found that the Miss Gamecock organization misrepresented and mismanaged member funds. The investigation cited possible fraudulent behavior and theft. The club is suspended until at least March 4, 2027. University officials did not respond to requests for comment, and the current club president also declined to comment…