It was meant as a joke, but unfortunately for Jennifer Lawrence her rape quip at the Cannes Film Festival has seen her roundly criticised, even by those who were previously the actress’s champions.

At an industry party hosted by Vanity Fair and Armani party on May 17, Jennifer’s off the cuff and off-hand remark was overheard, duly noted and subsequently has snowballed into a PR nightmare for the 23-year-old.

Jennifer had revealed that when she first met Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón she started screaming and approached him saying: ‘I broke out my rape scream for you!’

With Jennifer being one of the few celebrities who doesn’t have a Twitter account, there is still no apology, or comment on the matter, from either the actress or her PR team.

Party pooper: Jennifer Lawrence at the Vanity Fair and Armani party in Cannes where she allegedly made the rape joke

Celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton wrote: ‘We know you’re always open and honest in interviews, but COME ON, a rape joke?!?

‘We’re sure she thought that what was said at the party was private, but even still, that’s no excuse for a rape joke!! They’re not funny, ever.’

Democraticunderground.com wrote: ‘This time, however, Jen may have unintentionally shown fans a bit too much of her private side. Here’s hoping she does some damage control before there’s any permanent harm to her career.’

Party on: Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Claflin and Laura Haddock attend Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 party at a private villa on May 17 in Cannes

Fishwrapper blog took this view: ‘We’re not mad, Jennifer, we’re just disappointed. And, OK, we’re pretty mad, too.’

Others though thought that perhaps people were making too much out of a remark which was meant to be private and never intended for public consumption.

‘Jennifer Lawrence made a rape joke. Tumblr announces it’s shutting down for the rest of the week!’ wrote Better Khai Saul sagely on his Twitter.

Leaving town: Jennifer left the Cannes Film Festival the following day on May 18

Crushable website declared: ‘By her blasé use of the terminology, it seems likely that she’s been lucky enough never to be in a situation necessitating that type of scream, or else I hope she wouldn’t throw it around so casually.’

Whether Jennifer will take the time to apologise or comment on the matter remains to be seen, as she is still currently filming the latest Hunger Games installments.

MailOnline contacted Jennifer Lawrence’s representatives for a comment on this story.