In an interview with German publication Der Spiegel the former Smiths frontman made several claims including one that Spacey had been "unfairly attacked".

"As far as I know, he [Spacey] was in a bedroom with a 14-year-old," he said. "Kevin Spacey was 26, boy 14. One wonders where the boy's parents were. One wonders if the boy did not know what would happen.

"I don't know about you, but in my youth I was never in situations like that. When you're in somebody's bedroom, you have to be aware of where that can lead to. That's why it does not sound very credible to me. It seems to me that Spacey has been attacked unncessarily."

Actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of picking him up, putting him on a bed in his apartment after a party in 1986, then lying on top of him in an attempt to seduce him.

Spacey said he was "beyond horrified" by the claim but said he did not remember the alleged incident. He apologised to Rapp for "what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour".

20 people have also made complaints about Spacey over incidents which allegedly took place during his time at the Old Vic theatre in London.

Asked about disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, Morrissey claimed that people "know exactly what's going on" and suggested some alleged victims were "just disappointed" that they hadn't been given a "great career".

Since his comments were made in the interview, many high profile figures in the entertainment industry have condemned him.

Garbage singer Shirley Manson tweeted from the band's account: "Morrissey has lost the f**king plot. Weinstein + Spacey unfairly attacked? For rape, sexual abuse + coercion etc. F**k you Morrisey! F**k YOU."

Artist Nadine Shah wrote: "I told you all Morrissey was a c**t while illustrator Jamie McKelvie said: "Morrissey has been showing you who he is for decades now. It's just got increasingly easy to hear."

American actor Chris Gethard tweeted: "I don't understand how so much of what Morrissey sings is so beautiful yet so much of what he says is so ugly."

Judd Apatow simply wrote: "F**k Morrissey" while comedian Limmy posted a photo of himself eating a steak alongside a screengrab of the story about Morrissey's comments (Morrissey is a staunch vegetarian).