London : American TV channel NBC has apologised after an advertisement featuring a monkey doing gymnastics was telecast right after showing the gold medal victory of US gymnast Gabby Douglas, the first African-American to do so at the Olympics.

The TV network apologised for the ad s poor timing, saying "No offense was intended", the Daily Mail reported. Right after the sportscaster wrapped his analysis of Douglas incredible routine during the all-around competition Friday night, the broadcast went into a commercial break, showing the advertisement featuring a monkey wearing a gymnastics uniform and performing a gymnastics rings event.

The ad was for "Animal Practice", an upcoming NBC sitcom. Angry viewers lashed out at the network on social media platforms like Twitter, accusing it of racism, the daily said. "Disgusted at NBC for showing Animal Practice with monkey right after Gabby wins her gold," one user wrote. NBC later said Douglas gold medal performance was a "historic and inspiring achievement" and that the ad was one in a series with an Olympic theme which have been scheduled for maximum exposure, and that "no offense was intended".

The Capuchin monkey in the ad, named Crystal, is the same that appears in "We Bought a Zoo", "The Hangover Part II" and the "Night at the Museum" films.