Updated at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The newly crowned Miss Teen USA from Texas was receiving harsh criticism Sunday over a series of online posts she wrote that used racial slurs.

Karlie Hay, 18, of Tomball won the Teen USA title Saturday night in Las Vegas. Shortly after the pageant ended, a Twitter user posted a screenshot of tweets that included the N-word -- and a variation of it -- that Hay had sent to some of her acquaintances in January 2014 and July 2013.

The Miss Universe Organization, which owns the Miss Teen USA pageant, issued a statement Sunday evening condemning Hay's words, but the organization will also be "supporting her continued growth" and allow her to keep her crown.

Hay issued a series of apology tweets Sunday night.

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... — Kennedy Edwards (@MissTXTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

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... — Kennedy Edwards (@MissTXTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

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... — Kennedy Edwards (@MissTXTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

I am today a better person. I am honored to hold this title and I will use this platform to promote the values of... — Kennedy Edwards (@MissTXTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

The Miss Universe Organization, and my own, that recognize the confidence, beauty and perseverance of all women. — Kennedy Edwards (@MissTXTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

Since the screenshot (edited here) started making the rounds online early Sunday, many called for Hay to be stripped of her title and crown.

No excuse for using a word whose only impact coming from white ppl is harm. And @MissTeenUSA is a role model? Ok.https://t.co/854T1aF8oI — Sam White (@samwhiteout) July 31, 2016

Kamie Crawford, a former Miss Teen USA, was one of the first people from the modeling industry to comment on Hay's tweets.

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! — Kamie Crawford (@TheRealKamie) July 31, 2016

A few hours after the tweets began circulating, Hay took to Twitter on a different account and admitted her mistake but did not apologize directly.

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... — Kennedy Edwards (@MissTXTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

"Through hard work, education and thanks in large part to the sisterhood that I have come to know through pageants," Hay said through a series of tweets, "I am proud to say that I am today a better person.

"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."

News of Hay's tweets came after the Miss Teen USA 2016 pageant, a subsidiary of The Miss Universe Organization, was criticized for a perceived lack of diversity in its top five contestants.

These are your TOP 5 #MissTeenUSA contestants! pic.twitter.com/qi3KJT6COb — Miss Teen USA (@MissTeenUSA) July 31, 2016

According to Hay's Facebook profile, she graduated from Tomball High School this year. Her biography on the Crystal Group's website says she plans to attend Texas A&M University.

She plans to use her platform to advocate for those affected by drug and alcohol abuse.

Staff Writer Hannah Wise and The Associated Press contributed to this report.