Jonathan Rhys Meyers accused of racial slur

Los Angeles: `Bend It Like Beckham` star Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been accused of making a racial slur after he was banned from boarding a plane.

The Irish actor, who has checked into rehab for alcoholism on several occasions, reportedly used the 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, Radar Online reported. An airline employee has confirmed to the website that the 32-year-old star used the slur when he was told he couldn`t board the morning flight to Los Angeles. It is not yet known whether he was aiming the racial abuse at a specific individual or if it was towards a number of members of staff. An official from the airport said that Meyers had been "pounding drinks" in the first class lounge, even though it was only 7 am, but became "out of control" and was refused entry. No further information was available because of passenger privacy laws, but it is believed that the actor has received a life ban from travelling with United Airlines. This is not the first time 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." PTI