Joan Rivers at the Opening night performance of the new musical 'A Catered Affair' at the Walter Kerr Theatre. New York City, USA - 17.04.08

The outspoken star sparked outrage in the U.K. after she called actor Russell Crowe a "f**king s**t" while speaking to co-hosts of daytime talk show Loose Women.

The flustered presenters immediately apologised for Rivers' foul language while giggling about the slip-up, but show bosses weren't quite so light on their guest - they asked Rivers to leave the set during the commercial break.

And now the star has publicly apologised for her offending words, according to People.com.

A statement from Rivers reads: "Yes, I swore, and I'm so f***king sorry.

"No one told me the TV show Loose Women was a reality show and that I would be voted off.

"It's funny: offstage, I hardly ever use profanity. My favourite four-letter word is shop."

Source: WENN