Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner are under fire for a new interview with Digital Spy, in which they jokingly describe Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow character in The Avengers as a "slut" and a "whore".
The comments were in a response to a question about fans 'shipping Black Widow with multiple male characters in the Avengers movies.
In addition to the "slut" remark, Renner joked that the character had a prosthetic leg, implying this makes her undesirable.
Fans took to Twitter and Tumblr to express their disgust and disappointment with the two actors.
While other fans defended the stars, claiming the comments were sarcastic.
The fandom is definitely divided right now.
A representative for Disney did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed's request for comment.
In a statement obtained by Entertainment Weekly, Evans said: "Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize."
Renner said: "I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour.”
In a new interview with Conan O'Brien, Renner stood by his earlier "slut" comments (see video below).