In the wake of San Francisco's decision to include a circumcision ban on the ballot later this year, it seems that the great circumcision debate is being analyzed everywhere. Hot on the heels of the Foreskin Man and Monster Mohel controversy, late Thursday night Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe took to Twitter to rant against the tradition of circumcision.

Initially, Crowe tweeted: "Circumcision is barbaric and stupid. Who are you to correct nature? Is it real that GOD requires a donation of foreskin? Babies are perfect."russell crowe circumcision

After receiving a number of re-tweets from supporters, Crowe responded to one person's response claiming that circumcision promoted hygiene with: "Hygenic? Why don't you sew up your ass then?"

Crowe then tweeted his friend, movie director Eli Roth with: "many jewish friends, I love my Jewish friends, I love the apples and the honey and the funny little hats but stop cutting yr babies @eliroth. .."

He finalized his tweeting rant with: "I will always stand for the perfection of babies, i will always believe in God, not man's interpretation of what God requires."

"Last of it, if u feel it is yr right 2 cut things off yr babies please unfollow and f**k off, I'll take attentive parenting over barbarism."

He then quickly interjected his thought on abortion. "Abortion should always be a woman's choice, there is no benefit to 'forced' motherhood...you got it? don't like it then bye."

After news of this tweeting escapade hit the media, he quickly apologized, responding to the criticism with the following early on Friday morning:

"wasn't intending offense, certainly wasn't intending to provide fodder for lazy journalists. I can't apologize for my heartfelt belief

"This is a great forum for communication,I,like any human have my opinions and you all have yours, thank you for trusting me with them."

"I have a deep and abiding love for all people of all nationalities, I'm very sorry that I have said things on here that have caused distress."

"My personal beliefs aside I realize that some will interpret this debate as me mocking the rituals and traditions of others. I am very sorry."

What do you think about Russell Crowe's rant? Tell us on Facebook or leave a comment below.