Hollywood has been shocked by Disney's decision to fire director James Gunn over offensive Tweets posted almost a decade ago, many famous actors and writers posting reactions on Twitter.

Between 2008 and 2012, the filmmaker posted multiple messages on social media containing jokes about subjects such as paedophilia and rape. The posts were recently unearthed by a conservative news website leading to Disney ”severing” their business relationship with Gunn.

The 51-year-old previously directed two Guardians of the Galaxy movies for the studio and was set to helm the third instalment, writing a treatment for the movie earlier this year.

One of Gunn’s actors, Dave Bautista – who played the character Drax in both Guardians instalments – defended the director’s “mistakes” on Twitter: “James Gunn is one of the most loving, caring, good natured people I have ever met. He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes. We all have. I’m NOT ok with what’s happening to him.”

Other Hollywood personnel also reacted to the news on social media, Jimmy Fallon writer Chase Mitchell writing: “Hey Disney, you know who said worse things than James Gunn? Walt Disney.”

Actor Patton Oswalt posted a message concerning one of the commentators who brought down Gunn, while Rick and Morty creator Justin Roiland joked about quitting the unannounced Jar Jar Binx movie because of the move.

The director has released an official statement taking “full responsibility” for his actions: “My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since – not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don’t reflect the person I am today or have been for some time.”