Casey Affleck has denied claims that he sexually harassed a woman working on his documentary about actor Joaquin Phoenix.

In a statement, he called the allegations by Amanda White "preposterous and without merit".

Amanda White, a producer on Joaquin Phoenix: I'm Still Here, alleged that she was subjected to "uninvited and unwelcome sexual advances" from Affleck.

Her $2m lawsuit also claims Affleck, who is a director on the film, said he would not pay her after she refused to spend a night with him in a hotel room.

Affleck's lawyer Michael Plonsker said: " Ms. White was terminated from the production over a year ago."

"She and her lawyers believe that this maliciously and erroneously filed complaint will cause the producers to succumb to her outrageous and baseless demands. She is mistaken. "

Phoenix surprised movie fans in 2008 when he announced plans to quit acting and launch a hip-hop career.

It later emerged that the stunt was Affleck's documentary, which is due to be released later this year.

Source: Press Release