A writer for American comedy show Saturday Night Live has been suspended after posting a tweet mocking US President Donald Trump's son Barron, US media reports say.
Barron Trump - pictured with his mother, Melania, at Donald Trump's recent inauguration ceremony Photo: AFP
The reports say Katie Rich has been suspended indefinitely but the programme's network, NBC, is yet to comment.
On Saturday, Ms Rich posted a now-deleted tweet, saying "Barron will be this country's first home-school shooter".
An avalanche of criticism on social media followed.
Ms Rich later deleted her tweet, suspending her Twitter account.
However, she was back online today to issue an apology.
I sincerely apologize for the insensitive tweet. I deeply regret my actions & offensive words. It was inexcusable & I'm so sorry.
— Katie Rich (@katiemaryrich) January 23, 2017
One Facebook post in reaction to her previous tweet has been shared nearly three million times.
The post read: "NO child deserves to be talked to in such a manner... He is a child, he is to be respected and he is off limits."
Chelsea Clinton, a former first child, joined the support for Barron.
Barron Trump deserves the chance every child does-to be a kid. Standing up for every kid also means opposing @POTUS policies that hurt kids.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) January 22, 2017
Saturday Night Live has made a number of shows in recent months, parodying Mr Trump.
Mr Trump, who took office on 20 January, has described the programme as "not funny" and with a "terrible" cast.
- BBC
