Rupert Murdoch backs down on Twitter remarks

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has been forced into withdrawing controversial comments about the France terror attacks after a Twitter backlash.

The 83-year-old media baron's comments about the bloody assault on French magazine Charlie Hebdo stirred up taunts and angry replies, many using the hashtag #RupertsFault.

The Australian-born head of News Corp. and 21st Century Fox drew fire for his January 9 tweet which said, "Maybe most Moslems peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible."

Criticism was led by Los Angeles-based comic Aziz Ansari, who wrote, "Are you responsible for the evil shit all Christians do or just the insane amount of evil you yourself contribute to?"

Ansari also asked Murdoch, "can we get a step by step guide? How can my 60 year old parents in NC help destroy terrorist groups?"

Author JK Rowling responded to Murdoch's generalisation: "I was born Christian. If that makes Rupert Murdoch my responsibility, I'll auto-excommunicate".

Murdoch replied, attempting to downplay his earlier comments.

"Certainly did not mean all Muslims responsible for Paris attack. But Muslim community must debate and confront extremism," Murdoch said in a tweet.

"Tens of thousands of jihadi victims are Muslims and millions fighting back. But important for people of all faiths to address the threat."