Punk rock icon Henry Rollins has apologised for his insensitive comments regarding Robin Williams' suicide after an extraordinary backlash on social media and thousands of letters from outraged fans.

The former Black Flag singer wrote a controversial column in LA Weekly last week which slammed Williams for leaving behind his three children.

Musician Henry Rollins is sorry for his comments about Robin Williams' suicide.

"I simply cannot understand how any parent could kill themselves," Rollins wrote. "How in the hell could you possibly do that to your children?

"I don't care how well adjusted your kid might be — choosing to kill yourself, rather than to be there for that child, is every shade of awful, traumatic and confusing. As soon as you have children, you waive your right to take your own life. It should be your utmost goal not to traumatise your kids."