US: Tom Hanks' rapper son defends use of the N-word as 'free speech'

Chester Hanks, the son of Hollywood actor Tom Hanks denied his use of the N-word was racist in an Instagram video.

The wannabe rapper who calls himself Chet Haze was attacked by furious comments on Twitter and explained in detail why he used the term.

"If I say the (N-word) I say it amongst people I love and who love me. If I say "(expletive) yall hatin ass (N-words)" it's because that's really how I felt at the time. And I don't accept society getting to decide what ANYBODY can or can't say. That's something we call FREE SPEECH. Now I understand the older generation who grew up in the Jim Crowe era might have strong feelings against this. And that's understandable... But what I'm saying is this is 2015...

"We have also reached a point where the word can no longer have a negative connotation,' he went on to claim, 'if we so choose. And who is to say only black people can use it?"

Many did not agree with the 24-year-old hip hop fan, including one commenter who said: 'You are so very racist, @chethanx. You should really reconsider what you're doing here. I have no doubt your parents find your racism adorable but the rest of the world does not. GROW UP.'

In 2014, Hanks revealed that he had entered a rehab facility for an addiction to cocaine.

"I've been struggling with substance abuse since I was 16 years old," Hanks wrote on his Instagram, along with a video message where he confirmed his addiction and that he had gone to rehab to receive help.

"Finally, at the age of 24, I decided to get some help. With 50 days of sobriety under my belt, I can honestly say I'm the happiest I've ever been," he said.

"I'm thankful for my family and everybody that cares about me, including my fans. I've been blessed with the programs of AA and NA which allow me to rise above this disease. I'm learning to accept my faults and be ok," Hanks added.