Miss Teen USA Karlie Hay appeared on “Good Morning America” Tuesday to explain her use of the n-word in the past, and defend the pageant’s decision to allow her to keep the crown.
“At that age, I was being a follower. I was trying to fit in with my friends,” said Karlie Hay. “The word was thrown around in the music I listened to with the friends I hung out with, and I had no guidance.”
Hay doesn’t think she should give up her crown, because she has grown from then.
“I’ve blossomed into the person I am today and I think I can turn this message into a positive message because there are people that use that word and it’s not acceptable. Ever,” said Hay.
Even though she had taken to social media to apologize for her use of the racial slur, citing personal struggles, “GMA” anchor George Stephanopoulos said that most people are still “waiting to hear a clear apology.”
“I’ve grown up from that 15-year-old girl who uses that type of language,” Hay added. “It’s never acceptable, and now I know how hurtful it is.”
Although Hay seems to understand the impact of her words, former Miss Teen USA 2010 Kamie Crawford told “GMA” that there are certain things a pageant winner simply can’t do and thought that Hay should not be allowed to keep her crown.
“If the decision was in my hands, absolutely. She would have to be dethroned,” said Crawford.
The 18-year-old came under fire when tweets of her using the N-word in 2013 resurfaced. The Miss Universe Organization chose to stand by Hay saying that although her language is unacceptable, the teen has since grown from then.
Watch the video above.