London, Feb 15 (PTI) Bafta presenter Stephen Fry's jest on costume designer Jenny Beavan's outfit sparked an outrage on social media with many terming it as an insult.
Fry said "only one of the great cinematic costume designers would come to an awards ceremony dressed as a bag lady" after Beavan won the award for her work in "Mad Max: Fury Road".
"Can't bear Stephen Fry's attitude. Mocking appearance just stifles diversity and people being themselves," a user wrote.
Another said, "@stephenfry you do realise you're presenting a public show... to the public... and you're talking to the camera and hence to the public."
"#bafta2016 @stephenfry you must apologise for #baglady comment," another wrote.
Fry, 58, who has presented the awards since 2001, responded angrily on Twitter to the "sanctimonious" number who were offended.
"So just a word to the tragic figures who think calling Jenny Bevan a bag lady was an insult. She's a dear friend and she got it. Derrr," he tweeted.
The comedian then proceeded to retweet users who supported the joke and his humour and respond personally to those who mentioned him in tweets.
The comedian worked with Beavan on both "Gosford Park" and "Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows".
