A JOURNALIST has come under heavy criticism for an insensitive joke he posted on Twitter soon after an explosion killed at least 22 people and injured about 50 others at an Ariana Grande concert in the UK.

US-based freelance writer David Leavitt, who claims to have reviewed games, tech, fashion and travel for major news outlets including CBS, AXS, Yahoo and The Examiner, posted the sick tweet to his 59,000 followers shortly after the horrifying attack.

“MULTIPLE CONFIRMED FATALITIES at Manchester Arena. The last time I listened to Ariana Grande I almost died too,” he wrote on Twitter.

MULTIPLE CONFIRMED FATALITIES at Manchester Arena. The last time I listened to Ariana Grande I almost died too. — David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) May 22, 2017

At the time of writing, the tweet has been replied to more than 24,000 times, with almost everyone voicing their disgust over the clearly inappropriate tweet.

@David_Leavitt A concert packed with kids who would've been excited for this night out. Some won't return. You think this is appropriate for a joke? Dick! — Lee McKenzie (@LeeMcKenzieTV) May 22, 2017

@David_Leavitt Dude, no. Delete and sincerely apologise to save yourself a shred of grace and dignity. Don't just carry on joking, you plum. — Mike P Williams (@Mike_P_Williams) May 22, 2017

@David_Leavitt you vile imbecile. Kids have just died. Have some respect. — Samar Khan (@Samar7) May 22, 2017

Not content with his first effort, Mr Leavitt posted another tweet moments later.

“Honestly, for over a year I thought an Ariana Grande was something you ordered at Starbucks,” he wrote.

Honestly, for over a year I thought an Ariana Grande was something you ordered at Starbucks. — David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) May 22, 2017

Once again, he was met with criticism from Twitter users.

@David_Leavitt This should be a career-ending couple tweets, buddy. Let's hope. — Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) May 22, 2017

@ValerieComplex @David_Leavitt How can people be so insensitive? Lives lost does not constitute an opportune time to crack jokes. — Aisha Willis (@AishaAdventures) May 23, 2017

This was followed with another Tweet, which was designed to stir people who had abused him with foul language in response.

Checked my phone and got this message from Twitter. Try swearing at me now! pic.twitter.com/TbIXnxhusM — David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) May 22, 2017

Obviously feeling the heat, Mr Leavitt has since posted two more tweets apologising for his actions.

Too soon? — David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) May 23, 2017

Sorry 4 offending. Didn't realize the magnitude of the tragedy. I always make stupid jokes about whatevers trending. Condolences 2 families — David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) May 23, 2017

While he thought his apology might have seemed sincere, many users were quick to point out this clearly wasn’t the case as he hadn’t deleted the original tweet.

@David_Leavitt You could have just deleted all of it. But you care more about likes and RTs than compassion. Likes and RTs don't pay bills. — Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) May 23, 2017

@David_Leavitt "didn't realize the magnitude" dude, you said "MULTIPLE CONFIRMED FATALITIES" in the tweet — Tom McKay (@thetomzone) May 23, 2017

EDIT: Mr Leavitt has since deleted the tweet.