HOLLYWOOD star Ewan McGregor has blundered into the US election by making a “rude” and “offensive” joke about losing candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith.
The Trainspotting star, who lives in Los Angeles, was forced to apologise after he attempted a gag comparing Mormons’ multiple marriages with the presidential poll.
The 41-year-old actor tweeted: “Mitt won Utah!!! The men in that state are allowed more than one vote each though, so it shouldn’t really be taken into account.
But McGregor quickly branded his stab at satire as “stupid” after a backlash from followers.
Lauren Tarbert tweeted: “That Utah comment was very uncalled for! I’m from Utah and I find that very rude and offensive. Don’t diss what you don’t know.”
Serenity Jane also took offence, writing: “What does that even mean? He wins the state, so we run for snide remarks about something irrelevant and untrue?”
Texas Bennet wrote: “So, it’s not kosher to attack people based on race or sexuality, but knocking religion & religious history is totally cool?”
One angry follower, Ginny Taylor, added: “Why say such things, especially when a huge fan of yours is from there and Mormon?”
McGregor was quick to say sorry for the faith-based joke, writing to his 187,966 fans: “Apologies for the Utah gag. Was a stupid joke. Didn’t mean to cause any offense.”
His apology prompted Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh to get involved in the dispute, joking: “I’ll let you off this time mate, but I was seriously offended at the time, I’ll tell you that for nothing.”
By no means all of McGregor’s followers condemned him.
Brandy Renee, wrote: “People need a sense of humour.” Chad Millington, added: “Don’t apologise, it was funny.”
And a Democrat supporter from the Beehive State, Marcie Christensen, tweeted: “No offence! Born and raised in Utah, diehard Democrat #tellitlikeitis.”
McGregor is the latest in a growing line of celebrities to end up in hot water after making a joke on Twitter.
In August Scots comedian Frankie Boyle was attacked by followers after making a series of jokes about Paralympians.
Last year Office star Ricky Gervais was criticised by fellow comedians and disability groups repeatedly used the word “mong” in online messages to fans.
Among his posts, he has used phrases like “two mongs don’t make a right” and “good monging”.
