An NFL star has apologised after claiming he'd like to have dinner with Adolf Hitler.
Jonathan Allen called the fascist dictator a "military genius" and admitted he'd like to "pick his brain" over a bite to eat.
During a recent social media Q&A, the Washington Commanders defensive end was asked which three individuals would he have round to his house for some dinner.
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"My grandad, Hitler and Micheal Jackson," Allen replied.
With his followers clearly confused and shocked by his answer, Allen was then asked to elaborate and explain himself.
"He's a military genius," he said of his Hitler selection.
"I love military tactics but honestly I would want to pick his brain as to why he did what he did."
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He added: "I'm also assuming that the people I've chosen have to answer my questions honestly."
The response sparked huge backlash as Allen was being bombarded online by fans.
Clearly realising that his comments were not sitting well with some people, he decided to issue a public apology shortly after.
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"Early I tweeted something that probably hurt people and I apologise about what I said," Allen said.
"I didn't express properly what I was trying to say and I realize it was dumb!
"I'm sorry I offended you, that definitely was not my [intention], I was just answering a question."
But people weren't having a bar of it and continued to pepper him with questions.
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A number of social media users accused the 27-year-old of showing too much respect to a man responsible for the death of six million Jews, to which Allen replied: "Not props.
"I probably should have used a different term but I was asked and I was giving my reason as to why I think it would be interesting to have a [conversation] with him.
"He's easily one [of], if not the most evil, person to have ever lived but this was a hypothetical question."
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