Designer Kenneth Cole gets flak on Eqypt tweet; withdraws message

American clothing designer Kenneth Cole withdrew a tweet on Thursday after a joke he made referring to the unrest in Egypt drew criticism online.

"Millions are in an uproar in Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available ...," the founder and chairman of Kenneth Cole Productions posted on Twitter.

The designer later removed the tweet and apologised on his Facebook page. "I apologise to everyone who was offended by my insensitive tweet about the situation in Egypt," said.

"In hindsight my attempt at humor regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely inappropriate."

For the past 10 days, Egypt has seen unprecedented countrywide protests aimed at removing President Hosni Mubarak from power.

The company did not immediately respond to Reuters messages seeking comment.