Russell Crowe offers to house refugees after tensions on Manus Island

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has exploded on social media following the ongoing crisis on Manus Island.

The star has taken to Twitter to brand Australia a “disgrace” as conditions at the detention centre housing refugees have worsened.

As it stands, the 606 detainees are without food, water and medication. Power has been cut and the sewage system is also in chaos, with toilets overflowing.

The centre was closed permanently earlier this week, but hundreds are refusing to leave. Despite being promised alternative accommodation, many fear that their lives will be worse if they leave.

The announcement of the closure came after the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court rule that the offshore detention centre was illegal and unconstitutional.

While shocking images of the current conditions are making their way around the internet, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has said that she would guarantee the safety of all the refugees – when they leave the current centre.

Local government officials have encouraged people to move to other sites in the main town of Lorengau, but those staying put are adamant that it isn’t safe.

As such, Crowe has shared his thoughts online and didn’t hold anything back.

Manus. A Nations shame. Lives held in limbo . Lives lived in fear & despair . It's fucking disgraceful

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 1, 2017

He tweeted to his 2.7 million followers: “Manus. A Nations shame. Lives held in limbo. Lives lived in fear and despair. It’s f****** disgraceful.”

His message was retweeted over 1,700 times and liked nearly 5,000 at the time of publication.

One of his followers suggested that Russell himself house some of the refugees if he was so ashamed.

The Robin Hood star didn’t object and even suggested it was a good idea.

He wrote: “I’ve thought about this. I believe I could house and find jobs for 6. I’m sure there’d be other Australians who would do the same.”

I've thought about this . I believe I could house and find jobs for 6. I'm sure there'd be other Australians who would do the same

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 1, 2017

Reactions to his tweet were mixed, with some people agreeing with his stance.

One person wrote: “I’ve been helping refugees since the 70s when we took in Vietnamese war victims.” Another comment read: “Great use of your fame – thank you for bringing more attention to the disgust we feel at this government’s policy of offshore detention.”

Others weren’t as convinced, with one person asking: “What about helping homeless people already here? Sick of privileged wombats preaching to the rest of us. You pay for them.”

A further message read: “I remember J.K. Rowling making the same claim years ago that she’d take them in. Still waiting as I guess we’ll be waiting for you.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed her country will take 150 of the refugees, while she plans on discussing the situation with Malcolm Turnbull later this week.

What do you think of Russell Crowe’s plans? Would you house a refugee?