George Michael slams "hacks and haters"

George Michael has hit out at journalists who he claims have tried to "kill" his Comic Relief single.

The singer has released a cover of New Order's 'True Faith' with all proceeds going to the charity. However, writing on Twitter, Michael insisted that he still has a loyal fanbase who support him.

"'True Faith' at no2 in the UK iTunes video chart, CD no1 for the 18th day on Amazon Uk, and went from 55 to 18 on the airplay chart," he wrote. "So thank you all, and f**k the journos who are trying to kill the record. Which, by the way, they do pretty much every time, lol (sic)"

He continued: "What makes me laugh is that after 30 yrs they still act as if it's newsworthy that I don't sell to kids/ the singles market the way I did :) Face it paps, hacks and haters... The album will sell great, the tour will sell out, and the fans remain some of the loyalest in the world. Nothing you can do about that..."

The 47-year-old, who also appeared in James Corden's Red Nose Day sketch, added: "So keep swinging at me....it's quite fun that you still love to hate me!!"

> George Michael rules out 'X Factor' role