Brad Pitt turned down $1 million to appear at a German awards ceremony because he disliked the sponsor.

The unnamed British company joined the list of supporters of the Golden Camera awards after Brad demanded the sum for his girlfriend Angelina Jolie's charity in aid of orphans. They were to foot the $1 million sum, but after the star learned they were contributing he pulled out.

Golden Camera spokeswoman Beate Wedekind confirmed that the story, as published in German media, was correct. She said: "It's all completely true, but I cannot comment on it any more than that. I cannot say who the sponsor was as it is confidential."

A spokesperson for Pitt said: "Brad Pitt was in Berlin before and after the award ceremony as part of a personal business trip. I do not want to say any more about it."