Lily Allen has slammed actor Laurence Fox for his views on Meghan Markle and racism after an outburst on Question Time.

Appearing on the BBC debating programme, the actor and musician, 41, clashed with an audience member when the treatment of the Prince Harry's wife came up as part of discussion on their decision to 'step back' royal duties.

Laurence, who made his name in TV drama Lewis, rejected claims of racism against the Duchess of Sussex, and said it was "racist" to be called a "white, privileged male".

A woman from the audience addressed the British actor, saying: "It's racism, she is a black woman, and she has been torn to pieces."

But Laurence dismissed the claim saying: "It's not racism. We're the most tolerant lovely country in Europe.

"It's so easy to throw the card of racism at everybody... and it's really starting to get boring now."

(Image: BBC)

The exchange quickly became heated, as the woman responded: "What worries me about your comment is is you are a white privileged male."

But the actor hit back, sternly saying: "I can't help what I am, I was born like this, it's an immutable characteristic.

"So to call me a white privileged male is to be racist. You're being racist."

But among those outraged with the actor's comments was British singer Lily Allen The Mirror reports.

She wrote: "Sick to death of luvvies like a Lawrence [sic] Fox going on TV and forcing their opinions on everybody else, when he'll never have to deal with what normal people have to deal with in his gated community.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

"BBC should be ashamed, this is not what we pay our TV licence for."

The Fear singer, 34, also added: "Stick to acting mate. Instead of ranting about things you don't know anything about."

After the Question Time episode was broadcast, Laurence took to Twitter to say his social media feed was "like Christmas come early" and added: "Speak truth to nonsense."

Tweeting screenshots of Lily Allen's Instagram stories, Laurence wrote: "Lily Allen is the most stunningist and bravery artist in the whole wide world. #stunningandbrave"