Miss Teen USA forced to apologise for using n-word on Twitter - but will still keep crown
Karlie Hay, 18, won the top prize at the Las Vegas competition on Saturday in a glittering ceremony but there have been calls for her to be stripped of the title
The new Miss Teen USA has been forced to apologise after it emerged she previously used the n-word on Twitter - but she will get to keep her crown.
Karlie Hay, 18, won the top prize at the Las Vegas competition on Saturday in a glittering ceremony.
She told the judges she plans to apply at Texas A&M University after graduating from High School, and hopes to become a businesswoman while advocating for people affected by drug and alcohol abuse.
But her image was soon tarnished when keen tweeters dug out tweets using the n-word from 2013 and 2014.
The teen repeatedly used the highly offensive slur in several tweets including: "I am home n****r" to what appeared to be one of her friends.
The teen apologised for using the racial epithet, saying she had “a number of personal struggles” several years ago and found herself “in a place that is not representative of who I am now.”
She continued: “A few years ago, I used language that is inexcusable, and I sincerely apologize for my actions.
“Through hard work, education, maturity 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."
Before the controversy developed she had tweeted about her enthusiasm for winning the title.
"I am honoured 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," she wrote.
The Miss Universe Organization branded her language "unacceptable" in a statement on Sunday but has stood by her despite calls for the teenager to be stripped of her title.
A number of online petitions have also been set up calling for her crown to be taken from her.
Karlie Hay. Her racist tweets are exposed and she keeps the title? Seriously? #KarlieHay #MissTeenUSA
.@MissTeenUSA Many of us have had personal struggles, yet somehow refrained from use of N word. #KarlieHay#MissTeenUSA
"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."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/miss-teen-usa-forced-apologise-8542324
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