An American public relations executive has been sacked over a controversial tweet about AIDS in Africa.
The tweet, posted by Justine Sacco, said: "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding. I'm white!"
Sacco, a communications officer for prominent US-based media company IAC, sparked global outrage with her comment, posted on Saturday AEDT as she was about to leave on a flight.
Her comment went viral and stayed on her account for several hours, generating heavy criticism as she gained several thousand followers.
IAC subsequently released a statement saying it had "parted ways" with Sacco, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"There is no excuse for the hateful statements that have been made and we condemn them unequivocally," the company - which runs many high profile websites including Ask.com, Dictionary.com and The Daily Beast - said.
A day after the viral tweet, Sacco's account appeared to have been deleted, but comments were pouring in using the hashtag #HasJustineLandedYet - a reference to Sacco being on a flight during the social media firestorm.
Several news outlets, including CNN, said Sacco had not responded to their requests for comment.
