R Crumb quits Sydney event over 'pervert' remark

R Crumb has cancelled an appearance at Sydney's Graphic 2011 arts festival over a remark in a newspaper.

The acclaimed cartoonist hit out at an article in the Australian Telegraph which referred to him as "a self-confessed sex pervert".

Graphic co-curator Jordan Verzar wrote on the show's Facebook page: "It's a very, very disappointing situation. There were a legion of people eagerly anticipating his visit and the Graphic team and Sydney Opera House had been working for months to pull together the shows he was involved with and to supply an enjoyable first visit to Australia for him.

"I sincerely doubt that he will ever make it to Australia now. It's a very sad day, but I'm still excited and looking forward to the rest of the great shows happening at Graphic next weekend."

Crumb sparked controversy in 2009 when he released The Book Of Genesis Illustrated, adapting all 50 chapters of the first book of the Bible in graphic novel format. He received a Harvey Award for the book.

Graphic 2011 takes place at the Sydney Opera House between August 20 and August 21.