Sarah Michelle Gellar has embarrassingly mixed up her pop icons in a tweet sent after the news of George Michael's death began to spread.

It was announced on Sunday that Michael, 53, died peacefully in his home over the Christmas period.

In a statement, the star's publicist said: 'It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully.

Sarah Michelle Gellar has embarrassingly mixed up her pop icons in a tweet sent after the news of George Michael's death began to spread

'The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.'

Gellar attempted to fire off a tweet to express her sadness at the news on Sunday night.

However, unfortunately for the 39-year-old actor, she killed off the wrong emblematic 1980s star.

'Do you really want to hurt me? I guess you do 2016 - #ripboygeorge I was truly one of your biggest fans,' she tweeted.

Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar tweeted the following messages after news of George Michael's death broke

Gellar fixed up her mistake moments later, saying she had initially heard the wrong name.

'Just as sad when you get the correct information. #ripgeorgemichael thank you to everyone who corrected me - it's still so sad.'

Some were quick to poke fun at the Buffy star for her mistake.

'Boy George has checked himself into hospital cos of you!' one person tweeted.

Some people were quick to make fun of Gellar for his mistake on social media on Sunday

'Maybe you were planning a hit on @BoyGeorge ...Getting in Early,' a user wrote.

'The tweet to cover it up is the way icing on this awkward cake!!' Andy Hartlet added.

Others were were supportive of Gellar after her blunder.

'At least you were graceful in your mistake. RIP,' Angela Fell said.

Others were more supportive of the Buffy star after she explained her mistake

'Mistakes happen,' another person added.

Late Sunday night, singer Boy George tweeted: 'I am thinking of @GeorgeMichael's family, friends and fans right now. He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words. Devastating.

'What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can't believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms. NMRK.'

Michael, who was set to release a documentary in 2017, rose to fame as a member of Wham!, known for their hits Club Tropicana and Last Christmas.

The singer - whose real name is Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou - sold more than 100 million albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.

George Michael's publicist announced the star had died in a statement released on Sunday night