Arrested Development star David Cross responds to allegations of racism

David Cross, star of hit comedy series Arrested Development, has responded to allegations of racism made by actor-writer Charlyne Yi.

Yi recounted her experience of first meeting Cross - best known for playing Tobias Funke on the sitcom - a decade ago claiming the comedian made repeated racial remarks.

In a series of tweets, Yi wrote: “He made fun of my pants (that were tattered because I was poor). Dumbfounded I stared at him speechless and he said to me ‘what’s a matter? You don’t speak English?? Ching-chong-ching-chong'.“

She continued: “Then after he saw I was offended he asked me if I was going to fight with him karate in a southern accent.

“Then a few years later he was re-introduced to me after my comedy show with his girlfriend at the time & he said ‘Hi nice to meet you’.”

Cross responded to the accusations, writing: “This seems crazy and WAY out of character for me,” before adding: “Charlene, I don't remember this at all! It’s bonkers to me and WAY, way out of character. DM me so I can understand all of this [sic].”

He later posted a statement expressing his surprise at the allegation.

“I would never intentionally hurt someone like that,” he wrote. “I am NOT accusing Charlene of lying and I'm truly sorry if I hurt her [sic].

“I can't believe I have to write this but I am not a racist nor a bully and loathe them in real life.”

Yi - most recently seen in David Lynch's Twin Peaks revival - will appear in James Franco's The Disaster Artist alongside Dave Franco and Alison Brie.