A gay Muslim female character featured on newly launched U.S. TV series The Bold Type has sparked social media controversy with thousands labeling it as "offensive" to Islam.

According to The New Arab, the hijab-wearing lesbian character is played by Canadian-Iranian actress Nikohl Boosheri.

The drama, which began airing last month, follows three young women living and working in New York city and is reportedly based on the life of a former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan.

While many attacked the character on social media, others thought it was progressive, bold and barrier-breaking.