30 Rock star Tracy Morgan has apologised for making anti-gay jokes at a recent gig in Nashville.

The comedian said he “clearly went too far” with the remarks, which included saying he would stab his son to death if he came out as gay.

This afternoon, he said: “I want to apologise to my fans and the gay and lesbian community for my choice of words at my recent stand-up act in Nashville.

“I’m not a hateful person and don’t condone any kind of violence against others. While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far and was not funny in any context.”

The remarks were made at a stand-up gig last week at the Ryman Auditorium but did not attract attention until an audience member highlighted them on Facebook.

Kevin Rogers said Morgan was “truly filled with some hate” towards gay people and did not appear to be joking.

Mr Rogers claimed that the comic said “God don’t make no mistakes” and that gay people should not complain about “something as insignificant as bullying”.

He added: “[Morgan] said if his son that [sic] was gay he better come home and talk to him like a man and not – he mimicked a gay, high pitched voice – or he would pull out a knife and stab that little N (one word I refuse to use) to death.”

Mr Rogers wrote that while some people walked out, others clapped and cheered as Morgan said gays should “take a f**king joke”.

He added: “The sad thing is that none of this rant was a joke. His entire demeanour changed during that portion of the night. He was truly filled with some hate towards us.”