A Florida federal judge has granted the law firm Carlton Fields permission to withdraw from representing the plaintiffs in the ongoing legal battle over the ownership of the Miss America pageant. The firm cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for its departure.
This development marks a significant shift in the protracted dispute between Robin Fleming, the current CEO of the Miss America Organization, and Glenn Straub, a developer who claims ownership of the organization. The conflict has been characterized by a series of legal maneuvers, including a $500 million lawsuit filed by Fleming against Straub, alleging fraud and defamation.
Earlier this year, in April, a Florida federal judge denied a motion to disqualify Carlton Fields from representing Fleming in the lawsuit. The court found the allegations against the firm to be “scattered and speculative,” allowing them to continue their representation at that time.
The ownership dispute has also led to bankruptcy proceedings. In November 2024, Straub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on behalf of the Miss America Competition LLC, claiming the need to address $4.1 million in debt and to regain control from Fleming. Fleming contested the filing, arguing that it was a fraudulent attempt by Straub to seize control of the organization. By December 2024, the bankruptcy case was dismissed after both parties acknowledged that the debts had been repaid.
As the legal battles continue, the Miss America Organization is preparing for its annual competition, scheduled to begin on December 31 in Orlando, Florida. The outcome of the ongoing litigation could have significant implications for the future governance and direction of the historic pageant.