PORN star August Ames was found dead hours after she was bombarded with abuse for being "homophobic", telling her critics: "F*** you."

The 23-year-old, who has appeared in more than 270 flicks, hit back at fans before passing away in Camarillo, California.

The adult movie star August Ames has tragically died aged just 23

The actress was branded a "homophobe" after voicing concerns about an actor who had also starred in gay porn.

She had earlier used social media to warn fellow female porn stars about working with men who have been in gay adult movies.

She tweeted on December 3: "Whichever (lady) performer is replacing me tomorrow for @EroticaXNew , you’re shooting with a guy who has shot gay porn, just to let cha know.

"Do agents really not care about who they're representing? I do my homework for my body."

She tweeted later the same day after a backlash: "NOT homophobic.

"Most girls don’t shoot with guys who have shot gay porn, for safety.

"That’s just how it is with me. I’m not putting my body at risk, i don’t know what they do in their private lives."

She later added that she "loved the gay community" and that "none of her intentions were malicious".

Since starting in the industry four years ago she has won two Adult Video News (AVN) awards.

The pretty model had starred in more than 270 flicks Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram

August's friends say that she was suffering from depression and online bullying in the days before her death, reported Hollywood Life.

Her husband and director Kevin Moore said: “She was the kindest person I ever knew and she meant the world to me.

"Please leave this as a private family matter in this difficult time.”

The cause of her death is being investigated, but law enforcement said there was no indication of foul play, according to US media reports.

Ames was originally from Canada and started working in the industry four years ago Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram

Credit: Twitter

Performer Abella Danger called her 'the most kind-hearted person ever' Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram

Tragic August with her husband Kevin Moore, who has asked for privacy Credit: Getty - Contributor

The adult industry was in shock as several industry members took to Twitter.

Performer Abella Danger said: "She was the most kind-hearted person ever."

Producer/director Jules Jordan tweeted: "Rest In Peace to August Ames, one of the best, nicest people I ever knew in the business."

And director Mike Quasar said: "Love one another kids. 23 is way too young. Such a sad day."

Performer Kissa Sins tweeted: "You were always there for me when I was feeling sad or sensitive and I’ll always love you. I’m sorry I didn’t do more to help. RIP Auggie."

The actress was branded a 'homophobe' for comments she made on Twitter Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram

Her body of work included multiple performances for just about every major studio in adult entertainment Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram

The adult actress, originally from Nova Scotia in Canada, started working in the business three years ago.

She was raised in a military family.

Last year she won the 2016 Vixen Angel AVN and Cutest Newcomer in 2015.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed that she had died.

Director Stills by Alan tweeted: 'You leave many in this world with a heavy heart and you left us far too soon.' Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram

Ames has won several accolades in the adult entertainment industry in a short space of time Credit: @msmaplefever : Instagram