The official Twitter account of the Massachusetts State Government website posted an apology from its director Thursday after the account tweeted that “sexual assault is always avoidable.’’

That original message prompted an angry backlash on the social networking site, with many calling for the post to be deleted.

Gov. Deval Patrick told Fox 25 the tweet “was stupid.’’

(1/4) An apology from Geoff Kula, Director of http://t.co/JD4mnwFvsn: — Mass.gov (@MassGov) May 1, 2014

(2/4) I deeply regret the message sent last night regarding sexual assault and apologize to all sexual assault victims. — Mass.gov (@MassGov) May 1, 2014

(3/4) We in no way meant to suggest that victims of sexual assault are to blame for the crimes committed against them. — Mass.gov (@MassGov) May 1, 2014

(4/4) To learn more about what you can do to combat violence or if you need assistance, please see this blog: http://t.co/JHv9vZZjF7 — Mass.gov (@MassGov) May 1, 2014

Kula also later posted a longer-form apology on the blog.

“Having spoken with the author this morning, it is clear there was no malicious intent behind the tweet; the tweet inaccurately summarized the content in the linked-to blog post, which discussed services available for victims of sexual assault,’’ Kula wrote.


“The tweet author agrees that perpetrators of sexual assault are always at fault, and it was never the author’s intent to blame victims for crimes perpetrated.’’

The author has agreed to participate in sexual assault awareness training, the post says.