High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens has been forced to apologise after saying it was 'inevitable' that people will die from the coronavirus.

During an Instagram live video she said she didn't understand why people were self-isolating for so long. She said: "Yeah [isolating] until July sounds like a bunch of bull***, I'm sorry. It's a virus, I get it, I respect it.

"But at the same time, even if everybody gets it, yeah people are going to die which is terrible but inevitable. I don't know, maybe I shouldn't be doing this right now."

But following uproar on social media, Hudgens released an apology.

She said: "Hey guys, I'm so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram live yesterday.

"I realise my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever.

"I'm sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time."

More than 8000 people have now died from the coronavirus worldwide.