The newly crowned Miss Teen USA, Karlie Hay, is already facing controversy just a few days into her reign.
Users on Twitter pointed out a series of insensitive tweets Hay posted in 2013 that included offensive language and the N-word (which she has since deleted). Hay issued an apology on Twitter:
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.
Additionally, the Miss Universe Organization is standing by their pick, and said in a statement to Refinery29 that they “are committed to supporting her continued growth” even though the language she used was unacceptable.
On top of Hay’s tweets, Twitter users (including Chrissy Teigen) were also quick to point out the lack of diversity amongst the top five Miss Teen USA candidates.
Do you think Hay deserves her crown? Weigh in on the comments below!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
