Miss Teen USA 2016 which telecast was streamed live online from Las Vegas' The Venetian Resort & Casino is facing a number of controversies including the language used by its reigning queen Karlie Hay of Texas. On July 30, Saturday, Hay was declared Miss Teen USA 2016 but her celebration was cut short. The 18-year-old beauty took to social media to acknowledge some controversial language she previously used.
Being a titleholder makes Hay proud and she is determined to use it to promote values of her own and that of the organization which recognizes the beauty, perseverance and confidence of women. Hay's 2013 tweets came out on the Internet which allegedly used racial slurs.
The messages have already been deleted though. Kamie Crawford, a former title holder of the organization tweeted that the winner should have cleaned up her page, an act that is a must for beauty pageant winners.
The Miss Universe Organization states that Hay's language does not reflect her values. The beauty admitted she was in a different place in her life, regrets her mistake and sincerely apologizes. As Hay learned lessons from her personal struggles which reshape her values, the organization commits to support her continued growth, E! News reported.
The pageant has been commended this weekend for replacing the swimsuit competition with athletic wear. However, the show's followers found it lacking diversity in the five finalists. Supermodel Chrissy Teigen asked how can one choose from a diverse bunch.
Hay's co-finalists in the latest pageant were Marley Stokes (South Carolina), Emily Wakeman (North Carolina), Erin Snow (Alabama) and Carissa Morrow (Nevada). All five girls have light skin, blue eyes and similar facial features prompting the social media to criticize them, The Independent reported. People who complained did not blame the girls though as it was not their fault.
Miss America 2017 which will be held in September will feature an openly gay contestant Erin O'Flaherty from Missouri. Miss USA 2016 crowned a black woman army officer on June 5, 26-year-old Deshauna Barber of District of Columbia.
Check out Hay's crowning moments below.