Posted April 04, 2017 11:56:50

US actor, comedian and rapper Mike Epps has apologised after he brought a kangaroo on stage during a show in Detroit.

In a video of the Friday night event, Epps can be seen holding the animal's harness and pulling on its leash.

A man is then seen picking up the animal and carrying it around the stage.

Surrounded by bright lights, loud music and a large crowd, the distressed animal attempts to strike one of the men on stage.

The stunt backfired as people on social media called out the entertainer for animal cruelty.

Late on Sunday, Epps posted on Instagram to say he wanted to "sincerely apologize to everybody".

He said things "got out of hand" and he didn't mean any harm to the animal.

However, not all followers were forgiving.

"No excuses, poor treatment of any animal is never ok," one person wrote in response to Epps' apology.

"What you did was absolutely disgusting and horrible. Animals aren't meant for things like that. What even crossed your mind when you did that? That's not okay and I hope you know that you're a horrible person," another wrote.

Another chimed in: "You harassed a kangaroo on stage, he/she was terrified and though it was a mistake you should use this opportunity to bring light to the animals used for 'our entertainment'."

The rapper said he planned to donate money to the Save the Kangaroo foundation to help the animals.

TMZ reported on Monday the US Department of Agriculture was investigating.

AP

Topics: animals, animal-welfare, arts-and-entertainment, united-states