Others, however, remained upset with Brown for his behaviour and for not straightforwardly apologising.

“Perhaps a direct apology, Ben. Real men respect women – shameful behaviour,” wrote one.

Another user added: “Why put hands there in the first place though? Also, once you put your hand there, you knew what you [were] touching so why not take your hand off?”

“He has a voice,” pointed out one. “He didn’t have to grope her. Most normal people ask folk to move out their way politely.”

And one insisted: “You have no right to put your hands on anybody, let alone a woman on her breast. You didn't recoil or apologise and just carried on.”

Images: BBC News

BBC presenter under fire after accidentally grabbing woman’s breast live on air