US supermodel Gigi Hadid has apologised after her impression of Melania Trump during the American Music Awards sparked a storm of criticism.

The 21-year-old, who is dating former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, mimicked the future First Lady by adopting a fake Slovenian accent at the bash in Los Angeles.

On Monday, Miss Hadid apologised in a handwritten note posted on her Twitter account after some branded the impression “racist” and “disrespectful”.

She wrote: “I was honoured to host the AMA's last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business.

“I removed or changed anything in the script that I felt took the joke too far, and whether or not you choose to see it, what remained was done in good humour and with no bad intent.

"I too have been the centre of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions and was able to find the humour in it.

"I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run. I apologise to anyone that I offended and have only the best wishes for our country. "

The model joked about Mrs Trump’s Republican National Convention speech in which she was accused of lifting words used by Michelle Obama at the Democrat convention eight years ago.

She said: “This is my Melania Trump impression. I've got to get the face right.”

Adopting a fake eastern European accent, she added: "I love my husband, President Barack Obama and our children, Sasha and Malia."

Some social media users reacted with outrage following the skit.

One tweeted: "I'm not a Trump fan at all but Gigi Hadid's frankly racist impression of Melania Trump is really unacceptable."

While another commented: "What @GiGiHadid is wrong with you? So disrespectful. What if someone did that to Mrs Obama?"