Controversy after newly crowned Miss Teen USA Karlie Hay allegedly has history of racist Tweets

The newly crowned Miss Teen USA is dealing with a controversy after an alleged history of racist Tweets was uncovered. Karlie Hay from Texas was crowned the pageant winner Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Within a few hours, several Twitter users claimed Hay Tweeted racial slurs and curse words to friends in the past.

Hay is accused of allegedly used the "N-Word" in multiple tweets in the past. A number of Twitter users also claimed Hay had Tweeted racial slurs and curse words to friends prior to winning the pageant.

The account in question is now closed, however, Hay issued an apology using a different profile.

In a statement posted to Twitter, hay said: "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..."

Hay also posted in Tweets that she admits to previously using language that she was not proud of and that there is no excuse for actions. She posted that through hard work, education and work in the pageants, she has learned to be a better person.

The Miss Universe organization, which runs Miss Teen USA, is standing behind Hay. They say she will keep the crown and they support her continued growth. The controversy comes as the pageant was criticized for a lack of diversity.