Ryan: I was misquoted over 9/11

Former Blue star Lee Ryan deeply regrets the infamous comment he made about animal killings in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, because he insists his remark was taken out of context.

Ryan was heavily criticised for reportedly playing down the US atrocities by commenting that a hundred million sharks, whales, tigers and elephants face extinction after being mass-murdered.

However, the British singer claims he was misquoted and offers his condolences to those killed in the London bombings last month.

He says: "I didn't imply that. I implied that if they're going to talk about the suffering of those people, they should also talk about the suffering of others.

"My heart goes out to all those who were affected by or lost their lives in that (London) tragedy."