Gun 'was gift' says Jerry Lewis

Lewis was held by police following the gun's discovery in July

Comedian Jerry Lewis has said the handgun seized from his baggage by US airport security last month was a gift given to him from an engraver.

At the time, Lewis's manager said that the handgun was a prop that the 82-year-old used during his one-man show.

But Lewis told Entertainment Tonight it was given to him during a telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Lewis was detained at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport after the unloaded gun was found.

He had been travelling to Michigan to perform a one-man show.

"Oh, I had a gun in my carrying case, which was given to me by a marvellous, marvellous engraver," Lewis said.

'Gorgeous gift'

"Last year, at the telethon of '07, he presented me with this gorgeous gift. I put it in that travelling case, and I hadn't travelled since that telethon 'til that day."

Lewis said "a whole year flashed in front of me" when his road manager, Jeff Low, asked if he had a gun in his bags at Las Vegas airport.

Police accused Lewis of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and the gun was confiscated.

Following the incident last month, the comedian's manager, Claudia Marghilano, said the handgun was a prop gun which Lewis sometimes used during his shows.

Speaking on Thursday, Ms Marghilano said she did not previously know about the handgun given to Lewis.

She added that she did not know whether it was the gifted gun or the prop gun that police had confiscated.

The comedian is best known for his comedy partnership with Dean Martin during the 1950s.

He has hosted an annual telethon in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1966.

Last year the event raised $63.8m (£32.2m).