The Fox News anchor at the centre of the Kelly Clarkson “fat-shaming” controversy this weekend has publicly apologised to the singer at to those offended by his comments. Chris Wallace had made the remarks during an interview with conservative radio pundit Mike Gallagher on the latter’s show.

In a statement issued to Mediaite on Sunday night, the 67 year old anchor said: “I sincerely apologize to Kelly Clarkson for my offensive comment. I admire her remarkable talent and that should have been the focus of any discussion about her.”

Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson was the subject of yet another jibe about her figure

Gallagher had invited a comment from Wallace on his talk show on Friday in a discussion about fat-shaming, saying “Have you seen Kelly Clarkson? Holy cow, did she blow up!” While Wallace initially ducked the question, saying that he admired the former ‘American Idol’ winner’s voice, he later said “she could stay off the deep dish pizza for a little while”.

More: Kelly Clarkson addresses the fat shamers on ‘Ellen’: “We are who we are whatever size”

This prompted a sizeable internet backlash condemning Wallace for his comments, including from his Fox News colleague and blogger Greta Van Susteren who called him out for his insensitivity and recommended that he apologise.

It isn’t the first time that Kelly has been the subject of judgmental declarations about her body figure. The British columnist Katie Hopkins, who can be depended upon to give controversial opinions about absolutely anything and anyone at the drop of a hat, made a few jibes about her size in February this year.

In June 2014, Clarkson gave birth to her daughter River Rose, and has since been attracting comments about her size. In the last week, she has appeared on ‘The Ellen Degeneres Show’ to discuss her post-baby weight and respond to those who have been criticising her.

“Sometimes I'm more fit and I get into kickboxing hardcore,” she said to DeGeneres. “And then sometimes I don't and I'm like… I'd rather have wine.”

More: Katie Hopkins continues her attack on Kelly Clarkson