Controversial rape advocate Roosh V cancels North East event citing safety and privacy fears

The 36-year-old American, whose real name is Daryush Valizadeh, who sparked an outrage with his campaign to make rape legal on private property, had urged his supporters to meet up at Grey's Monument.

Now, after drawing widespread condemnation for his anti-feministic views, he has announced that this weekend's meet-up will be cancelled.

He wrote on his blog: "I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time.

"While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meetups. The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supporters who are let down by my decision."

It is unclear whether the announcement could drive similar gatherings underground.