United Kingdom, June 9 -- Hugh Laurie has apologised for a "drunk" brutal outburst over someone criticising House.

The 66-year-old actor, who played grumpy doctor Gregory House in the medical drama, responded with a scathing retort after freelance journalist Janet Murray poked fun at the show's formulaic episodes, which the journalist claimed led to her being heavily trolled online.

In response, Hugh wrote on X: "I'm sorry if people have been having a go at you because of my tweet.

"Not at all the plan. I was very slightly drunk and already upset about something that had nothing to do with you.

"If it's any comfort, I got it in the neck too. I'm a thin-skinned t***, apparently, even though it wasn't my skin. I was sticking up for the ...