Ethan Miller/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Hours after being crowned Miss Teen USA Saturday, Karlie Hay took to Twitter to apologize for offensive language found on her Twitter page
Many on Twitter claimed that Hay used curse words, issued threats and even used the N-word on her personal Twitter account, which is now protected.
The 18-year-old returned to the social network early Sunday morning to take responsibility and apologize for her past tweets.
In a series of tweets she wrote, “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,” she continued. “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.”
Hay was crowned the new Miss Teen USA Saturday night at The Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Miss Universe Organization, the parent company of Miss Teen USA, said in a statement, “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.”
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