Comedian Brendon Bruns has caused a controversy following his remarks on television criticising Australia Day, whihc falls on Thursday, January 26.

Being interviewed on Sky News in Australia the outspoken stand-up argued that Australians shouldn’t celebrate Australia Day. He suggested that the day when fireworks events take place across the country is inappropriate and disregards the treatment of native Australians in the past. “It’s not like Germans have an Auschwitz anniversary,” he told the programme, before going on to say the Australians successfully committed genocide. “Probably best not to rub it in…”

Burns faced a barrage of complaints about his appearance on Twitter. Peter Wallace said: “This useful idiot calls Australia day is a celebration of genocide.”

Nellie C said: "There's a reason no1 has ever heard of this idiot..&guess what..NO1 CARES what he says..we're sick of #FakePeople"

Ben McNeill wrote: "where's the proof of a genocide? Stop spreading retardation on the internet"

Burns responded with: “Dear god, every time I go viral I'm either apparently a colossal racist or a leftard apologist. Which is it internet? I don't know who to yell at.”

The award-winning performer may have been asked to appear on the current affairs slot because his imminent Australian show is called Why Australia Day Can Sod Off.

Watch a clip from the interview here.