Rhys Meyers accused of making racial slur at airport
Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been reportedly been accused of making a racial slur when he was banned from boarding a plane.
The Hollywood star, who has checked into rehab for alcoholism on several occasions, reportedly used a derogatory term when officials intervened and stopped him from boarding a United Airlines flight at John F. Kennedy airport in New York because he was drunk.
An airline employee said to RadarOnline.com that the 32-year-old star used the word "n****r" when he was told he could not board the morning flight to Los Angeles.
It is not yet known whether he was allegedly aiming the racial abuse at a specific individual or if it was towards a number of members of staff.
An official from the airport previously confirmed that Jonathan had been "pounding drinks" in the first class lounge, even though it was only 7am, but became "out of control" and was refused entry.
They were unable to elaborate any further on the report because of passenger privacy laws, but it is believed he has received a life ban from travelling with United Airlines.
This is not the first time Rhys Meyers has got into trouble before embarking on a flight.
Last year, he was arrested at a bar in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for reportedly challenging police to a fight.
He was also arrested in Ireland in November 2007 for drunkenly rowing with airport staff, only seven months after checking into rehab for the second time.
The actor has previously spoken about his battle with alcohol, saying: “When I do drink I'm like Bambi. I'm all over the place, hopeless, like a 16-year-old kid. People notice.”
