Russell Crowe went on an anti-circumcision tirade on Twitter late Thursday and early Friday morning (US time), later taking down his cutting Tweets and apologising for offending anyone.

"Circumcision is barbaric and stupid. Who are you to correct nature? Is it real that GOD requires a donation of foreskin? Babies are perfect," Crowe tweeted.

When a follower wrote, "There's actually a scientific reason for [circumcision], u should google it," Crowe replied: "My friend,'human' science has caused too much damage, don't be a moron."

Another follower called the practice hygienic, and Crowe replied, "Hygienic? Why don't you sew up your ass then?"

Writing to his Man With An Iron Fist Director, Eli Roth, he Tweeted "many jewish friends, I love my Jewish friends, I love the apples and the honey and the funny little hats but stop cutting yr babies @eliroth"

Snapped back Roth: "You didn't seem to be complaining when I was recutting you this afternoon..." But he also defended the actor, saying he was joking and he was glad to be working with him.

Other posts included: "I will always stand for the perfection of babies, i will always believe in God, not man's interpretation of what God requires."

"Last of it, if u feel it is yr right 2 cut things off yr babies please unfollow and f**k off,I'll take attentive parenting over barbarism."

The Oscar-winning actor later deleted his statements, writing:"I have a deep and abiding love for all people of all nationalities, I'm very sorry that I have said things on here that have caused distress."

"My personal beliefs aside I realise that some will interpret this debate as me mocking the rituals and traditions of others. I am very sorry."

Roth also posted on Friday morning that Crowe was joking, and accused the media of "blowing the comments out of proportion."

He Twittered Friday, "#FF @russellcrowe One of the nicest people I have ever been lucky enough to meet and work with. AND RESPECTFUL OF ALL RELIGIONS."

- Reuters