Charles Manson tribute doughnut does not go down well

Who thought this was a good idea?

Voodoo Doughnut in Portland created a Charles Manson tribute donut, and people were not impressed. Source: Twitter/Voodoo Doughnut

A US doughnut store has found out that not all publicity is good publicity, after their Charles Manson doughnut outraged customers on social media.

Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, marked the death of notorious cult leader Charles Manson with a commemorative doughnut.

Voodoo Doughnuts tweeted a photo of their iced creation, featuring Manson's face and the words "Charles Manson 1934 - 2017".

The portrait captures his wild eyes, and includes the 'X' he carved into his forehead which he later altered to become a swastika.

The backlash on social media was swift.

In response, Voodoo Doughnuts deleted the original tweet, and re-posted the photo with the caption "*Not celebrating. Villains die too." 

But a short time later the company deleted that tweet too. SBS Food has contacted Voodoo Doughnut for comment, but has not yet had a response. 

Voodoo’s other tribute doughnuts have been less controversial.