LATEST: Outspoken actor RUPERT EVERETT has apologised to British servicemen for branding them "whining wimps" - insisting his comments were "flippant and irresponsible".

The Stardust actor, whose own father was a major in the British Army, made the controversial comments in a documentary filmed for the U.K.'s Channel 4 about 19th century soldier Sir Richard Burton.

The star compared modern day soldiers to old fashioned recruits, insisting British fighters in Iraq and Afghanistan constantly "whine" about facing the risk of death.

But Everett faced a major backlash over his remarks, especially as they coincided with the news that three young British soldiers died in combat in Afghanistan this week (beg09Jun08).

And the actor has now released a statement apologising profusely for his words.

It reads, "I was talking trivially about something very serious. I never meant at any point to question the bravery of those who lose their lives or survive, but without arms or legs.

"My flippant and irresponsible behaviour arises from a deep frustration at the fact that we seem to be continually making war.

"Again I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has been insulted by my remarks."