Alec Baldwin apologises for daughter rant

Alec Baldwin has apologised for losing his temper with his daughter in a phone message which was leaked on to the internet.

The actor accused 11-year-old Ireland of being "a thoughtless little pig" in a voicemail published by website TMZ.com this week.

He has been involved in custody disputes over Ireland with ex-wife Kim Basinger since their split in 2002.

"Although I have been told by numerous people not to worry too much, as all parents lose their patience with their kids, I am most saddened that this was released to the media because of what it does to a child," Baldwin explained on his website. "I'm sorry, as everyone who knows me is aware, for losing my temper with my child.

"Outside the doors of divorce court, I have friends, I have respect from people I work with and I have a normal relationship with my daughter. All of that is threatened whenever one enters a court room."