LAS VEGAS, Aug. 1 (UPI) — Newly crowned Miss Teen USA winner Karlie Hay of Texas is coming under fire for previously using racial slurs on social media.

After winning the pageant Saturday, viewers quickly pointed out with screenshots on Twitter that Hay had used the n-word multiple times in what appears to be her own personal Twitter account from 2013 to 2014.

That account has since been made private and Hay, 18, has acknowledged the slurs across her more recent, official social media accounts.

“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 wrote on Instagram Sunday alongside a photo of herself and the other Miss Teen USA contestants.

“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.”

The Miss Universe Organization which oversees Miss Teen USA, condemned the slurs but stood by their winner.

“The language Karlie Hay used is unacceptable at any age and in no way reflects the values of The Miss Universe Organization,” the company said in an official statement. “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.”

Celebrities flocked to social media in order to slam Hay and the organization with former Miss Teen USA winner Kamie Crawford tweeting, “If u win any pageant – first things first. Clean up ur page. Cus if ur under 21 u shouldn’t b drinking&if ur WHITE the n word ain’t yo word!”

Hay’s use of the n-word was only the second controversy surrounding the beauty competition as viewers also attacked the show over a lack of diversity. “Wow how can we choose from such a diverse bunch,” model Christine Teigen wrote on Twitter, referring to the five finalists who were each blonde haired and blue-eyed.