DOES ADAM LEVINE HATE HIS COUNTRY?

File this under 'Things Not To Do on Live Television'.

Adam Levine, Maroon 5 frontman and judge on US TV show The Voice, has issued a statement regarding his on air gaffe during a live episode of the reality singing competition.

When two of his contestants, Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons, were eliminated from the show, the star mumbled into a 'hot' microphone "I hate this country". Unfortunately for Levine, this was broadcast live across the nation.

Cue social media frenzy and a quick move by TV network NBC to salvage the situation.

In a statement released over night via the broadcaster, Levine said: "I obviously love my country very much and my comments last night were made purely out of frustration.

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"Being a part of The Voice, I am passionately invested in my team and want to see my artists succeed. Last night's elimination of Judith and Sarah was confusing and downright emotional for me and my comments were made based on my personal dissatisfaction with the results. I am very connected to my artists and know they have long careers ahead, regardless of their outcome on the show."

Levine also took to his Twitter account to do some personal damage control, tweeting: "joke- noun 1. something said or done to provoke laughter or cause amusement, as a witticism, a short and amusing anecdote, or prankish act". He also then went on to publish the definitions of humourless, light hearted and misunderstand[ing].

The singer's actions created a mixed reaction on social media, with some fans defending him ("Why must people insist on overreacting over nothing? I mean, seriously... #ChillOut #JustAJoke") and some unimpressed by his action ("@adamlevine if you hate this country just leave, I think we'll do fine without you").