Richard Gere has been blasted for making insensitive comments about horse riding in the wake of Christopher Reeve's death. The handsome actor caused an uproar when he joked that men are not thrown from horses on US chat show 'Live with Regis and Kelly'. His comments were seen as tactless by many viewers in light of Reeve's horrific horse riding accident nine years ago, which left him paralysed. Gere made the quip after the show's hosts, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, who had earlier paid tribute to the late 'Superman' actor, asked him about a recent riding accident, which left him with a broken hand. When they inquired if he was thrown, the 'Pretty Woman' star replied: 'Men are not thrown off horses!' However, Gere's spokesperson insisted the actor recorded the interview last week, before Reeve's tragic death from heart failure. Earlier this month, Gere broke his hand while riding around his Westchester County ranch. The horse's foot got caught in the saddle, which was loose, causing the animal to buck, and when Richard quickly jumped off, he fell on a rock and broke his hand.