Culture

Miss Teen USA Barely Lasted A Day Before Getting Caught In A Scandal

Miss Teen USA Karlie Hay has responded to reports she used a racial slur on social media.

Miss Teen USA Barely Lasted A Day Before Getting Caught In A Scandal
Getty Images / Ethan Miller

"Miss Teen USA 2016 is Texas!" Miss Teen USA competition co-host Cody Johns said.  

Miss Texas Teen USA Karlie Hay achieved her dream Saturday.

By Sunday, the newly crowned Miss Teen USA was responding to allegations she used a racial slur on Twitter.

SEE MORE: Miss Teen USA Is Ditching The Swimsuit Competition

According to CNN, a racial slur appeared in several tweets from what is believed to be Hay's personal account. The tweets, which are from 2013 and 2014, are no longer visible on the account because it has been set to private. However, screen shots of the posts are still floating around

Hay responded Sunday, saying in part, "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." She then admitted, "I have used language publicly in the past which I am not proud of and that there is no excuse for."

In a statement obtained by E!, the Miss Universe Organization said, "The language Karlie Hay used is unacceptable at any age and in no way reflects the values of The Miss Universe Organization." But it said Hay learned from her past struggles. The organization said it is "committed to supporting her continued growth."

So, it looks like Hay will be keeping her crown. 

This video includes a clip from Twitter and images from Getty Images.