Miss Texas Teen USA Karlie Hay achieved her dream on Saturday.
But by Sunday, the newly crowned Miss Teen USA was responding to allegations that she used a racial slur on Twitter.
According to CNN, a racial slur appeared in several tweets from what is believed to be Hay's personal account. The tweets, which were 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. 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 pageant officials said Hay had 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.
Cox Media Group
