Trevor Noah, who will replace Jon Stewart as host of the hit US comedy programme The Daily Show, has been accused of antisemitism over some inflammatory tweets.

In May last year, the South African comic responded to the news that hip-hop artist Dr Dre's headphones company Beats Electronics was being bought by Apple for more than £2bn by tweeting: "Behind every successful Rap Billionaire is a double as rich Jewish man. #BeatByDreidel".

While some pointed out that "rich Jewish man" was an antisemitic trope, others argued that the target had not been not Jews but billionaire rappers.

Another tweet, written in January 2012 during a Barcelona v Real Madrid match, reads: "Messi gets the ball and the Real players try foul him, but Messi doesn't go down easy, just like jewish chicks. #ElClasico".

Comedian Roseanne Barr tweeted: "U should cease sexist & antisemitic 'humour'."

One Twitter user said: "Trevor Noah doesn't offend me as a Jew, he offends me as a comedian"; while others defended him: "Why exactly should @Trevornoah stop making jokes about women/Jews/...? He is a COMEDIAN. Lighten up folks."

The decision to appoint the 31-year-old - who claims that he is a 'quarter' Jewish - was welcomed by Mr Stewart.