By Daily Mail Reporter

Actress Sofia Vergara left viewers shocked after making an ill-advised ‘rape joke’ on U.S. television.

The Colombian-born screen star – who was romantically linked to Tom Cruise in 2005 – was trying to make light of her youthful appearance on American TV show The View.

One presenter expressed surprise that Sofia, 37, dubbed ‘Sofia Viagra’ for her effect on certain men, was old enough to have an 18-year-old son.

Host Sherri Shepherd said: ‘And also, you’re a single mum of a teenage son, who’s 18?! 

‘You look so good!’ she said. ‘I cannot lie about my age because they count.’

As viewers saw a photo of her with son Manolo Gonzalez, host Sherri said: ‘What, did you have him when you were 12?’

Laughing, she replied: ‘Thirteen. I was raped.’

 Sofia Vergara makes her rape joke as Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Walters look on in shock

Another of the show’s presenters, veteran reporter Barbara Walters, looked stony-faced as Sofia made the remark.

And Whoopi Goldberg, who also hosts the daytime talk show, appeared shocked at the comment.

The Ghost star came under fire last month for saying on The View that Roman Polanski’s alleged rape of a 13-year-old in 1977 was not ‘rape rape’.

Gasps could also be heard from the studio audience during the show’s broadcast on Wednesday.

Cruise went on several dates with Sofia Vergara back in 2005. She previously dated British singer, Craig David.