Stephen Fry appears to have deleted his Twitter account after defending himself against criticism of his “bag lady” jibe at Jenny Beavan’s outfit.

The 58-year-old comedian was criticised on social media after presenting Beavan with her award for Best Costume Design for her work on Mad Max at last night’s BAFTAs.

“Only one of the great cinematic costume designers would come to an awards ceremony dressed as a bag lady,” quipped Fry.

The academy-award winning costume designer broke BAFTA tradition by wearing a leather jacket, matched with a floaty, layered outfit and scarf, instead of formal attire.

Fry has defended his comments on Twitter - saying the harmless joke had been misconstrued as an “insult” - before apparently deleting his account.

“Will all you sanctimonious f*****s f*** the f*** off Jenny Beavan is a friend and joshing is legitimate. Christ I want to leave the planet,” he wrote on Twitter.

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“So just a word to the tragic figures who think calling Jenny Beavan a bag lady was an insult. She's a dear friend and she got it. Derrr,” the Hampstead-born comedian added.

A number of people have rushed to defend Fry after it became apparent that he had deleted his Twitter account.