Joan Rivers calls Obama ''gay'' and Michelle ''a transgender''

Earlier this week Joan Rivers targeted America's First Family as she off-handedly called President Barack Obama 'gay' and First Lady Michelle Obama 'a tranny'.

The 81-year-old had just returned from officiating a spur of the moment same-sex wedding at a book signing in New York when she was asked by a photographer a few questions that led to the provocative remarks.

The comedienne was asked when she thought America would see a gay president in the White House, according to the New York Daily News.

The octogenarian quickly shot back: 'We already have it with Obama, so let's just calm down.'

She then offered, without prompting, the following statement: 'You know Michelle is a tranny.'

'A transgender,' she swiftly corrected herself. 'We all know. It's okay.'

Following the remarks, a representative for Rivers gave a statement to MailOnline, explaining her comments about Mrs Obama: 'I think it's a compliment. She's so attractive, tall, with a beautiful body, great face, does great makeup. 

'Take a look and go back to La Cage Au Follies (sic). The most gorgeous women are transgender.'

'Stop it already ... and if you want to talk about "politically correct," I think this is a "politically incorrect" attack on me because I'm old, Jewish, a woman and a "hetty" - a heterosexual,' the statement continued. 'And I plan to sue the reporter who, when he turned off his camera, tried to touch me inappropriately on the a** - luckily he hit my ankle.'

Adding: 'Read the book ... if you think that's silly, wait to (sic) you see what I say about FDR and Eleanor!'