Film director Michael Bay has denied reports that he killed a pigeon during production of a Netflix movie in Italy.

The bird was allegedly killed accidentally by a dolly during the making of 6 Underground in May 2019, and as director, Bay was held responsible.

Bay's lawyer is now demanding an apology from the site which originally reported the story, TheWrap, for their "egregious" article.

According to Variety, the attorney wrote in a letter to the publication: "Your story is particularly harmful and malicious because, contrary to its implications, Michael Bay is an animal rights activist; he passionately loves animals, as his track record shows.

"As a result of your story, however, his name is now associated with 'killing' or 'murdering' an animal, connoting intent. He is therefore being unfairly maligned and attacked.

"Indeed, there are now numerous articles and countless social media images associating Mr. Bay with 'killing' or 'murder', which have gone around the world.

"Your story is therefore extremely damaging to Mr. Bay personally and professionally (he has publicly discussed his love of animals and his desire to make a film about saving African elephants, another fact of which you had prior notice but ignored) and has tarnished his reputation as someone who fiercely supports animals, financially and otherwise, causing him extreme anguish."

TheWrap has yet to respond to the accusations.