Williams told David Letterman during an appearance on the Late Show last month that he was not surprised Rio won the bid instead of Chicago, whom he publicly supported.

 

He said: "Chicago sent Oprah [Winfrey] and Michelle Obama.

 

"Rio sent 50 strippers and a pound of blow.

 

"It wasn't really fair, you know?"
 

Williams' comments have been replayed several times on news shows across Brazil, while the city's Mayor Eduardo Paes says Williams is envious of Rio's achievement.

 

Williams, 58, is one of the United States most popular and successful comedians.

 

He rose to fame in the hit television series Mork and Mindy before carving out a Hollywood career in films like Good Morning Vietnam and Mrs Doubtfire.

 

He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.

 

Williams is a keen sports fan and is particularly friendly with Lance Armstrong, the seven-time winner of the Tour de France.

 

Watch a click of the controversial interview here.