Fans slam Vanessa Hudgens over 'heartless' coronavirus comments

Vanessa Hudgens is getting slammed by fans after making ‘heartless’ comments about the coronavirus outbreak that has spread worldwide.

Speaking about the quarantine timeline that is being spoken about in the US, Vanessa told her followers in an Instagram Live video: "Um, yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bulls**t."

She went on to say that deaths are "terrible but... inevitable".

"I’m sorry, but like, it’s a virus, I get it, like, I respect it, but at the same time I’m like, even if everybody gets it, like yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible but like, inevitable?"

Perhaps realising she'd made a mistake, she then began backtracking, "I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this right now."

Fans took to social media to share their disappointment in her comments.

One wrote, "'Yeah it’s a virus and I respect it but...' someone [please] tell Miss Vanessa Hudgens that the coronavirus is a literal pandemic. It’s spreading and infecting and killing people all over the world and isolation/quarantine IS the responsible action. It’s not stupid or overdramatic."

Another added, "Vanessa Hudgens really said I respect the virus as if the virus was a lifestyle."

Someone else joked, "Vanessa Hudgens is losing her mind because Coachella got cancelled and she doesn't know how else to stay relevant."

Journalist, Yashar Ali, said, "What a horrible and heartless message for you to share with the younger people who look up to you."

Vanessa has taken to Twitter to apologise for her comments, sharing a statement that reads: "Hey guys. I'm so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram Live yesterday. I realise my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now.

"This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I'm sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time."

She also took to her Instagram Stories and said, "I realised today that some of my comments are being taken out of context. It's a crazy time... And I'm at home and on lockdown and that's what I hope you guys are doing too. In full quarantine and staying safe and sane.

"Don't take this situation lightly by any means. I am home. So stay inside y'all."

The reason most countries are practising social distancing is in the hopes of flattening the curve of people getting infected, slowing down the spread in an effort to prevent hospitals from getting overwhelmed with the numbers of patients.

In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced tighter restrictions including: limiting indoor gatherings to 100, banning outdoor gatherings of 500 or more, banning overseas travel, limiting aged care facility visitors and cancelling Anzac Day services.

The travel ban is the first time such restrictions have been advised in Australian history.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the prime minister said: "Do not go overseas. That is very clear that instruction."

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.