Hopefully by now people are aware that everything we post on the internet is pretty much there forever. Many people post things they regret later on and sometimes forget they even posted it. As of now, no one understands this more than Karlie Hay, the new Miss Teen USA.
A Texas native, Karlie Hay won the title of Miss Teen USA this past Saturday. However, her celebration was short lived after Twitter users pointed out her use of racial slurs in a Twitter account from 2013-2014. Users reported that the newly crowned Miss Teen USA had used “the N-word” multiple times.
While there’s no concrete evidence that this account once belonged to Karlie Hay, it can be assumed it did after the account’s tweets went private and when Miss Teen USA herself came out with a generic formal apology. Karlie Hay stated on her current Instagram account:
“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 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. 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.”
This statement was more of an About Me section in Facebook than an apology, completely lacking the words “I apologize,” or “sorry.”
In addition to Karlie Hay’s statement regarding the issue, The Miss Universe Organization released a statement the following Sunday. Their statement read:
“The language Karlie Hay used is unacceptable at any age and in no way reflects the values of The Miss Universe Organization. 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.”
So Karlie Hay will not be facing any sort of punishment from The Miss Universe Organization, keeping her recently claimed title of Miss Teen USA. This isn’t very surprising from an organization already facing controversy due to the lack of diversity in the most recent Miss Teen USA pageant, where the top five contestants for the title were all blonde women.
To see Karlie Hay being crowned, before anyone knew about her use of racial slurs, watch this:
Image is a YouTube screengrab.
