Indiana Jones star Shia LaBeouf has apologised for using a gay slur to describe his friend in a boozy YouTube video.

The clip first appeared on Monday but has been pulled from the website since he has apologised for it.

Hollywood.com quoted LaBeouf's spokesperson as saying: "The video tape that is currently being circulated is several years old and captures LaBeouf playing a game amongst friends in which he uses a derogatory word towards a friend.

"He regrets having used the word in any capacity and is very embarrassed that this footage is being seen by anyone."

The video is another embarrassing incident for LaBeouf. Last year he was arrested for refusing requests to leave a drugstore in Chicago; later, an arrest warrant was issued for him after he was accused of failing to turn up in court to face a charge of smoking in a prohibited area in California.

The trespassing charges were dropped and LaBeouf pleaded guilty to the illegal smoking charges for which he was ordered to pay a $500 fine.