From Crown To Controversy: The Unfiltered Story Of Crystle Stewart’s Post-Miss USA Empire And 2025 Comeback

Crystle Stewart, the former Miss USA who made history as an actress and then as a pageant organization owner, is currently navigating a major career pivot in late 2024 and 2025, shifting focus back to her roots in Hollywood following a tumultuous two-year period in the pageant world. As of December 2025, the Houston, Texas native is headlining a major streaming series, marking a definitive return to the screen after her highly publicized departure from the Miss USA Organization.

This deep dive explores the complete career trajectory of the entrepreneur, from her iconic Miss USA win to her controversial tenure as a pageant director, and details her most recent projects, including her starring role in the Netflix series *Beauty in Black*, which premiered the first part of its debut season in October 2024. Her story remains a compelling narrative of ambition, achievement, and the intense scrutiny that comes with holding a high-profile leadership role.

Crystle Stewart: Complete Biographical Profile

Crystle Danae Stewart Sebrechts is an American actress, model, and beauty queen who has built a diverse career spanning pageantry, television, and entrepreneurship. Her professional life is characterized by a series of groundbreaking firsts and high-profile roles.

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• Full Name: Crystle Danae Stewart Sebrechts (née Stewart)
• Date of Birth: September 20, 1981
• Age (as of 2025): 44
• Birthplace: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Education: University of Houston (B.S. in Consumer Science and Merchandising)
• Spouse: Max Sebrechts (m. 2014)
• Pageant Titles: Miss Texas USA 2008, Miss USA 2008
• Major Career Roles: Actress, National Director/President of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Organizations (2020–2023), Entrepreneur.
• Notable TV Roles: Leslie Morris in *For Better or Worse* (2011–2017), Mallory Bellarie in *Beauty in Black* (2024–Present).
• Current Status: Actively pursuing her acting and production career.

The Pageant Empire: Rise, Controversy, and the 2023 Exit

Crystle Stewart's relationship with the pageant world is one of both triumph and intense controversy, especially during her time as an executive. After winning the Miss USA 2008 title and representing the United States at Miss Universe, her career took a significant turn toward acting, notably in several Tyler Perry productions, including *For Better or Worse* and *Acrimony*.

Acquiring the Miss USA Franchise

In a historic move in November 2020, Stewart and her husband, Max Sebrechts, acquired the license to operate the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants under their company, Miss Brand Corporation. This made Stewart the first African American woman to own the national pageant organization. She took on the roles of President and National Director, promising a new era of transparency and empowerment for the organization.

The Miss USA 2022 Scandal and Suspension

Stewart’s tenure was cut short and ended in controversy, which became a major news story in the pageant and entertainment world. The issues began shortly after the Miss USA 2022 pageant, which saw R'Bonney Gabriel of Texas win the title.

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Following the event, allegations of unfair competition and "rigging" the results surfaced, leading to an internal investigation. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) suspended Stewart and Miss Brand Corporation in October 2022 to investigate the rumors.

The scandal was compounded by separate, serious allegations of sexual harassment against her husband, Max Sebrechts, who served as Vice President of Miss Brand Corporation. This combination of controversies—allegations of favoritism, rigging, and sexual misconduct—created an untenable situation for the leadership.

Ultimately, Crystle Stewart ceased serving as president of the Miss USA Organization on August 1, 2023. The MUO and Stewart officially ended their partnership, and the license was transferred to new leadership. The entire episode, which has been the subject of documentaries, remains a defining and challenging chapter in her career.

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The Return to the Screen: *Beauty in Black* and Future Ventures

Following her departure from the pageant executive role, Crystle Stewart has definitively pivoted back to her strengths in acting and creative production. Her return to the screen has been met with significant attention, demonstrating her resilience and versatility as a performer.

Starring in *Beauty in Black* (2024–2025)

Stewart’s most prominent and recent project is the new Netflix television series *Beauty in Black*. The first part of Season One premiered on the streaming service on October 24, 2024. The series is a major new vehicle for Stewart, where she stars as Mallory Bellarie, an entrepreneur whose life takes an unexpected turn. This role places her back in the spotlight, allowing her to engage with fans on her acting pivot, as noted during her public appearances in 2025.

This project is a clear signal that the former Miss USA is focusing on her creative career, moving past the administrative and political challenges of the pageant world. Her performance showcases her talent beyond the crown, cementing her status as a working actress in Hollywood.

Continued Public and Professional Activity

Despite the controversies of the past, Stewart maintains a visible public profile in 2025, attending high-profile industry events. She was noted at the EssenceFest 2025 in July and the Glamour Women of the Year event in November 2025. She also attended the Los Angeles Premiere of Apple TV+'s "Number One on the Call Sheet" in March 2025. These appearances underscore her continued relevance in the entertainment and fashion spheres.

Her work with Tyler Perry remains a key part of her legacy, having starred in his long-running series *For Better or Worse* for six seasons, which established her as a recognizable television personality. Her current focus on acting and production, including appearances at major industry gatherings, suggests a renewed dedication to building her legacy as a multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur, separate from the high-stakes world of national pageantry.