Former President Bill Clinton had a tense exchange with Black Lives Matter protesters, passionately defending a controversial crime bill that was passed during his administration.

Mr Clinton defended the bill on Thursday, saying it addressed a sharp rise in crime and violence, particularly in African-American communities.

"You are defending the people who killed the lives you say matter. Tell the truth," Mr Clinton told the protesters.

The crime bill has since been criticised for contributing to high rates of incarceration and disproportionately affected black men.

The Obama administration has taken steps to roll back lengthy sentences for non-violent offenders.