Supercars Driver Issues Apology Following Backlash From Instagram Post

James Courtney has been forced to issue a public apology to anyone who was offended by his recent Instagram post.

The picture in question features the Supercars driver baking in the kitchen alongside his girlfriend Tegan Woodford, who happens to be wearing a black lace negligee.

The caption for the post read: "Could you at least pass me a spoon babe?"

To some, the photograph seemed fairly innocuous and innocent at the time - but not everyone was amused.

Courtney immediately came under fire for his post, with some social media users flocking to the comments section to take aim at him.

One person commented: "You do realise you have a daughter and if you think this is women empowerment you are sadly mistaken, let alone what you are portraying to your son."

While another added: "Border line soft porn. I used to enjoy following James Courtney, not anymore!"

As one concluded: "Imagine thinking this is inappropriate..."

Some people shared their thoughts on it by simply using a vomiting emoji.

But while other fans jumped to Courtney's defence, the Supercars star decided to take matters into his own hands and issued an apology.

"I'm sorry if my post yesterday upset a few people, I thought it was funny and would make people laugh in these tough Covid times," he wrote on his Instagram story.

"The world is already full of so much hate. We don't need to add to the already out of control cyber bullying epidemic."

Courtney even took to the crowded comments section himself, adding: "Stop hating, start baking."

The original post remains up on Instagram with Courtney opting not to take it down.

Upon seeing the negative comments, some of his followers came out to bat for the Aussie fan favourite.

One bloke replied: "Love your content absolute awesome. The Karen's on here need to jog on."

As another chimed in, saying: "Some people have no sense of humour people need to lighten up, way too many snowflakes in the world."

While one social media user added: "So many negative comments yet we see women wearing less on the beach... if one is sexy or has beauty then one can do what they wish with it. If Instagram felt It wasn't appropriate then I'm sure it would be gone."