"Dear Millie, I just saw your post and wanted to respond, and provide some context"

Last week, Lucas posted the phrase “no but yeah but" - a well-known line from the Little Britain character Vicky Pollard - above images of Millie. 

The 21-year-old actress was photographed in Los Angeles wearing hoop earrings and a pink top, which Lucas later said had reminded him of the character’s signature look.

In response to a post from Brown on Instagram, Lucas explained his intentions and expressed regret for any upset caused.  

“Dear Millie, I just saw your post and wanted to respond, and provide some context," Matt wrote. 

“Nearly 25 years ago I co-wrote and appeared in a sketch show called Little Britain. 

“There was a character in it called Vicky Pollard, who had blonde hair and always wore a pink top, and in the photo you had blonde hair and wore a pink top so I pointed out the similarity by posting one of her catchphrases."

Lucas went on to clarify that he had no intention of mocking Brown and was taken aback by how the media had portrayed his comment.

“I thought you looked terrific and I was mortified when the press wrote that I 'slammed' you, firstly because that's not my style, and secondly because I think you're brilliant. 

“I would not have posted it if I had thought it would have upset you but I realise it has and for that I apologise."

The apology comes after discussions online about bullying young public figures.