Madonna calls for end to ‘hate crimes’

Madonna has called for an end to "hate crimes" after 49 people were killed by a gunman at a gay club in Orlando, Florida.

The chart-topping singer took to social media to declare her support for the victims, posting an image of two men touching tongues on her Twitter account.

Underneath the image, Madonna wrote: "Love is love. Stop hate crimes. Any form of terrorism is a form of Hate! (sic)"

Later, she shared at throwback photograph of herself and Britney Spears kissing at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2003.

Madonna also took to Instagram to post a meme of herself at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2013 featuring her own quote.

The quote read: "You cannot use the name of God or religion to justify acts of violence, to hurt, to hate, to discriminate.

"What has happened in Orlando is devastating. My heart goes out to all the victims of the shooting and to their families. Stop hate crimes!"

In addition to the 49 killings, more than 50 people were injured in the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

The shooter, Omar Mateen, was killed by police.

Meanwhile, the mass killing in Orlando has led Kim Kardashian West to make an impassioned plea for better gun control laws.

Kim said the current legislation "makes it easy for dangerous people" to obtain weapons.

She tweeted: "I’m truly at a loss for words. To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u.

"Under current federal law people on terror watch lists can legally buy guns — this is called the Terror Gap.

"We have repeatedly called on Congress to close this loophole that makes it easy for dangerous people to get guns & kill. Nothing has changed!!!! People continue to senselessly die. When will these gun laws be changed?! (sic)"