In 2012, Althaus competed in the pageant, where she was named the first runner-up . The Miss Colorado Teen USA organization is the state-level qualifying event for the national Miss Teen USA pageant . Media Controversy
The controversy began when an adult video was released by a major adult film studio. The video featured a woman who was unmistakably identified as Kristy Althaus. The juxtaposition was jarring: a woman who had just been celebrated on a stage meant to represent "wholesome" American youth values was now appearing in a hardcore adult film.
Years later, the narrative around Althaus shifted from "scandal" to a legal pursuit for justice. In , Althaus filed a federal lawsuit against Aylo (formerly MindGeek), the parent company of Pornhub, and the producers of the defunct site GirlsDoPorn .
An investigation was conducted into the circumstances surrounding Althaus's participation in the website. The findings revealed that Althaus had posed for the website without fully understanding the implications of her actions. Her parents had also been involved in the decision-making process.
Michael Pratt, the ringleader, was eventually captured and sentenced in late 2025 to life in prison for his crimes against Althaus and roughly 100 other women.
: Althaus finished as the first runner-up to winner Jacqueline Zuccherino.
