(Cover) - EN Movies - Lars von Trier's Nazi comments caused an after-party for his movie to be cancelled yesterday.

The director caused outrage when he said he "understood Hitler" during a press conference for his movie Melancholia held at the Cannes International Film Festival yesterday. He called himself a "Nazi" and also claimed Israel was a "pain in the ass".

His comments shocked gathered reporters, while Kirsten Dunst, who appears in the movie, looked on in horror as he spoke.

It's now been reported Lars' outburst caused bosses to call off an event planned to celebrate the premiere of Melancholia.

"I'm told that a post-premiere party for Melancholia was cancelled, which is probably appropriate because the provocateur left nobody in a mood for revelry and put a blot on what has been a fine festival so far," reports Deadline.

Lars' comments were widely reportedly and condemned. He was quick to release a statement of apology in the aftermath of the furore.

"If I have hurt someone this morning by the words I said at the press conference, I sincerely apologise. I am not anti-Semitic or racially prejudiced in any way, nor am I a Nazi," he said.

Organisers of the film festival also issued a brief note following the incident. They explained they were horrified by what Lars said and had immediately contacted him to discuss what had happened.

"The festival asked him to provide an explanation for his comments," a statement explained.

"The director states that he let himself be egged on by a provocation. He presents his apology.

"The direction of the festival acknowledges this and is passing on Lars von Trier's apology. The festival is adamant that it would never allow the event to become the forum for such pronouncements on such subjects." (C) Cover Media