Charlize Theron has come under fire for comments she made comparing fame and press intrusion to being the victim of rape.

The South African-born actress was speaking to Sky News while promoting her new film A Million Ways To Die In The West.

She said that "every aspect" of her life had become "fodder" for a brand of journalism that exists "in a dark room".

She said: "I don't (Google myself) - that's my saving grace. When you start living in that world, and doing that, you start feeling raped."

The actress has been a long-time anti-rape campaigner, appearing in a number of adverts, but critics have warned she is at risk of undermining all of her hard work.

Rape victim Jill Saward told Sky News Theron's remarks are "abhorrent" and she should apologise.

Ms Saward said: "I was really shocked and disgusted by what she'd said.

"Being in the situation she'd been in, campaigning for rape, she definitely ought to know better.

"I think that press coverage can be very damaging, it can be very difficult, but it is absolutely nothing in comparison."

Online editor of Grazia magazine in South Africa Cheska Stark told Sky News that with sexual abuse such a huge issue in South Africa, the actress should have been more careful.

"I understand that she has been violated but to compare that violation with that of a rape victim, for me is ridiculous," she said.

Theron won an Oscar for her portrayal of rape victim and serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003 and her mother Gerda was also a victim of domestic abuse. Gerda shot and killed Theron's father in self-defence in 1991.

She says she is "protective" of her privacy and especially that of her young son Jackson.

Feminist activist Kate Smurthwaite agreed that the 38-year-old did not make a "fair comparison" and should consider apologising.

Katie Russell, a spokeswoman for sexual violence charity Rape Crisis in England and Wales, said: "We are concerned when anyone uses rape as a metaphor for less serious issues and uses the language around sexual violence casually because it trivialises sexual violence and it fails to acknowledge what is a very serious crime."

The star's remarks attracted criticism on Twitter, with one user saying "she should try telling that to a real rape victim".

@Geoffbanksracing tweeted: "Sorry but I have little sympathy for Charlize Theron. Make millions from being famous, there's a downside."

But Danielle Weakley, editor of women's interests division at Media 24 magazine in Johannesburg, said she had sympathy for the stress that can come from being famous.

"It is unimaginable - the intrusion of the paparazzi and media must be enormous," she said.

Twilight star Kristen Stewart was forced to apologise when she made similar remarks in 2010 during an interview with Elle magazine.

Gwyneth Paltrow drew criticism this week for comparing her struggle with internet trolls to being a soldier in a war.