A "very embarrassed" Shia LeBeouf has apologised for using a homophobic slur in a video.

The clip, which was posted on YouTube on Monday, sees the 'Indiana Jones' actor at what appears to be a house party. Attempting to provoke a friend into slapping him, the 22-year-old star jokingly calls the friend an anti-gay term and gets hit.

The video, which as seen been taken down by YouTube, was filmed several years ago, according to LeBeouf's representative.

"The videotape that is currently being circulated is several years old and captures Shia playing a game among friends in which he uses a derogatory word toward a friend," said the rep.

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

In December the 'Transformers' actor was arrested, but not charged, for trespassing at pharmacy in Chicago — an incident he later laughed off as a misunderstanding that involved a long night of drinking and pimple cream.

The 'Disturbia' star was also fined for illegal smoking earlier this year.