Berry sorry for Jewish TV remark

Halle Berry is currently in the UK to premiere her new film

Actress Halle Berry has apologised for making a joke about the appearance of Jewish people which she conceded could have been "offensive".

She said during US chat show Tonight with Jay Leno that a distorted photo of herself with a huge nose made her look like her "Jewish cousin".

"I so didn't mean to offend anybody," the star told the New York Post.

Pressed by BBC News on the subject on Wednesday, she replied: "I already said everything I need to say on that."

'Light-hearted segment'

After the Oscar-winning star made the comment during the chatshow recording, host Leno said: "I'm glad you said it."

As the interview continued Berry said: "Oh God, have I just ruined my career?"

The word "Jewish" was removed from the soundtrack when the programme was broadcast.

The 41-year-old actress told the New York Post she had been looking at distorted pictures of herself backstage with several Jewish members of her staff.

Berry plays a grieving wife in Things We Lost in the Fire

"We were going through pictures to see which ones looked silly, and one of my Jewish friends said 'That could be your Jewish cousin'.

"And I guess it was fresh in my mind, and it just came out of my mouth. But I didn't mean to offend anybody. I didn't. I didn't mean any harm," she said.

The star, who is currently expecting a baby with her boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, added: "It was just a light-hearted segment that was meant to make fun of myself.

"There was a picture where I said I looked like Monica Lewinsky and one where I said I looked like Jay. It was just supposed to be a silly segment. I am so sorry, and I apologise."

London premiere

Berry is now in the UK to promote her latest movie Things We Lost in the Fire which is being premiered later in London.

In it she plays a grieving widow who forms a close bond with her late husband's best friend who is also a recovering drug addict.

Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier directs the movie, her first in English, while Sam Mendes, best known for directing American Beauty, produced it.