Prominent lawyer and columnist Andrew Borg Cardona has apologised to singer Ira Losco after he referred to her as a "bitch" over Twitter.

In a post of Facebook later, Dr Borg Cardona said: "I unreservedly apologise to Ms Losco for my vulgar comment, which was uncalled for and unjustified. My only defence is that it was a comment made only in a political context in what I thought was a private, light-hearted conversation. Again, my apologies and I wish her luck for tonight."

The state broadcaster condemned a tweet which came up in a conversation with Radio 101 presenter David Thake.

"It is deplorable, indeed disgusting, for anyone to use such a word. Ira Losco is a talented artist. She is empowering women by working to advance her career while expecting a child. The nation should unite to support her this evening, as she endeavours to do Malta proud," a statement by PBS said. 

Times of Malta has also condemned the comment.