AN Australian rap star has been forced to apologise after posting offensive images alongside wax dummies of Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Raquel Welch on social media.

Max McKinnon, from award-winning rap crew Bliss N Eso, posted a provocative shot, with a clenched fist, while standing beside pop superstar and domestic violence victim Rihanna.

The picture, posted to his personal Instagram account, included hashtags #smackmybitch and #shelovesthewayithurts

Rihanna suffered serious injuries when she was brutally bashed by then-boyfriend Chris Brown.

McKinnon, who performs as MC Eso, also posed lewdly beneath Lady Gaga with the comment: “I made Lady Gaga go gaga.”

From there, he upskirted former movie sex symbol Raquel Welch and remarked: #cavebitch and #oneeyeonthesnatch

media_camera Eso controversially poses with a wax figure of Rihanna.

media_camera A digitally altered version of the photo Eso posted with Lady Gaga.

media_camera Eso’s shot with Raquel Welsh, before the backlash,

But today, after copping a backlash from disappointed fans on social media overnight, McKinnon apologised for his pictures and comments.

He said on Instagram: “Violence against women has no place in our society and I am sincerely sorry for the offence that my previous Instagram posts have caused.

“The photos were not intended to promote violence and were shot in a comedic manner, which upon reflection, I realise was in bad taste and unacceptable.”

He concluded with the hashtags: #peace #love #unity

McKinnon’s record label, Illusive, said in a statement: “The artist made a huge error in judgement when taking and posting the photos, and this is something he has acknowledged and continues to be concerned about whilst he is in LA holidaying with his wife.

media_camera DJ Izm, Eso and Bliss from Sydney hip-hop group Bliss N Eso.

“It’s easy for some to focus entirely on the negative but people should be mindful of his acknowledgement and subsequent actions relating to the incident.

“The artist has subsequently expressed his strong stance on domestic violence, and violence against women being unacceptable.

“We hope that the very direct post he issued on his Instagram will continue to instil these messages amongst his fan base and followers.”

Bliss N Eso, a socially conscious rap crew from Sydney, have two No. 1 albums and four ARIA Awards in their name.