Miss Teen USA 2016 Karlie Hay admitted using the n-word in old tweets, calling it “language … I am not proud of and that there is no excuse for.” She will keep her crown.
Hay posted a long message on her Instagram account Sunday acknowledging the tweets but not apologizing for them. (RELATED: No More Swimsuit Competition At Miss Teen USA)
Here is your @MissTeenUSA (@haaykarrls) spewing racial epithets. Kudos… pic.twitter.com/nGgPrZCw89
— X (@XLNB) July 31, 2016
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Several years ago, I had many personal struggles and found myself in a place that is not representative of who I am as a person,” Hay wrote. “I admit that I have used language publicly in the past which I am not proud of and that there is no excuse for.”
“Through hard work, education and thanks in large part to the sisterhood that I have come to know through pageants, I am proud to say that I am today a better person,” she added. “I am honored to hold this title and I will use this platform to promote the values of the Miss Universe Organization, and my own, that recognize the confidence, beauty and perseverance of all women.”
A statement from the Miss Universe organization made it clear that Hay would be keeping her crown, while the group said that her language was “unacceptable,” according to USA Today.
“The language Karlie Hay used is unacceptable at any age and in no way reflects the values of The Miss Universe Organization,” the statement read. “As Karlie stated, she was in a different place in her life and made a serious mistake she regrets and for which she sincerely apologizes. Karlie learned many lessons through those personal struggles that reshaped her life and values.”
“We as an organization are committed to supporting her continued growth.”