Comedian Jason Manford has defended a furious Facebook post slamming ‘cowardly’ murderers in the Paris terror attacks that saw his profile removed from the social network.
At least 120 people lost their lives after multiple attacks in the French capital last night.
The comedian slammed the “cowards” in an expletive-ridden post - which later led to him having his profile completely removed from Facebook for apparently breaching their guidelines.
Now he has responded to shocked fans, insisting he was "sharing his opinion".
When one Twitter user wrote: "Normally I'd agree but going on a self-indulgent rant while my countryfolk die? No. Nope. Not ever."
Jason quickly responded: "It was on my own Facebook fan page. I was sharing my opinion online like everybody else."
While most Twitter users re-posting his original Facebook message mainly supported what he was saying, one Twitter user branded him "Islamophobic".
“Exactly where have I been Islamophobic?” he replied.
The Paris attacks in pictures
While writing to someone else, Jason then shared: “I’d say the same no matter what religion. My track record is proof enough I simply dislike extremists. As we all do."
He added: "You're obviously very upset so will leave you to it. I apologise if I caused you any more upset on such a horrible evening. xx"
It came after Jason's profile was temporarily removed following his furious rant online - but it has since been reinstated with the post removed.
“F**king cowards. Slaughtering innocent unarmed people for what? Families and children enjoying life, theatre, meals? Not an army vs army you f**king cowards," it began.
"For what? In whose name? Are you doing this in the name of your god? Cos I've got news for you, if you think your 'god' is gonna reward you for this type of atrocity then your god is a massive c**t."
The father-of-three went on: “I hope you are all caught and murdered in a similar agonising way you f**king scumbags.
"You are an embarrassment to humanity and a s**t stain on all of humanity. You will never defeat us, we are too strong you utter b**tards (sic)."
While his profile - and the post with it - was swiftly taken down, apparently for breaching Facebook's guidelines, his fans continued to share a screen grab of his post on Twitter.
Hours later, his Facebook profile had been reinstated but the post removed.
