Mr Selfridge star Jeremy Piven has denied twice groping an actress, calling the allegations "appalling".

In a statement, Piven 52, said: "I unequivocally deny the appalling allegations being peddled about me.

"It did not happen. It takes a great deal of courage for victims to come forward with their histories, and my hope is that the allegations about me that didn't happen, do not detract from stories that should be heard."

Ariane Bellamar, who appeared in Suicide Squad and The Hangover Part III, claimed the harassment happened on the set of the hit show Entourage and at the Playboy mansion.

Jeremy Piven, on two occasions, cornered me & forcefully fondled my breasts & bum. Once at the mansion & once on set. #MeToo @AriMelber @CNN https://t.co/liD7irs0o0 — Ariane Bellamar (@ArianeBellamar) October 30, 2017

Hey @jeremypiven! ‘Member when you cornered me in your trailer on the #Entourage set? ‘Member grabbing my boobies on the 🛋 without asking?? — Ariane Bellamar (@ArianeBellamar) October 30, 2017

She tweeted on Monday that the Emmy winner "cornered me & forcefully fondled my breasts and bum. Once at the mansion and once on set."


CBS, which airs the actor's current series, Wisdom of the Crowd, said in a statement "we are aware of the media reports and are looking into the matter."

The claim is one of a number to emerge in the wake of allegations of sexual assault and rape against film producer Harvey Weinstein, who denies any allegations of non-consensual sex.

Several stars are facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including Kevin Spacey, whose own hit show House of Cards has been suspended as a result, and film-maker James Toback.

Image: Actress Ariane Bellamar with her husband Tanner Slaught

Police in Beverly Hills have announced they are investigating allegations against Weinstein and Toback, confirming in a statement they had received "multiple complaints" against Weinstein.

The police department's statement did not provide details about the complaints.

Toback denied the allegations in an interview with Rolling Stone last week, saying he would "spit in" the face of anyone who suggested he had acted in an inappropriate manner.

More than 50 women including stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Mira Sorvino have accused 65-year-old Weinstein of sexual abuse and harassment, although he denies forcing himself on anyone.

Image: Lucia Evans, Former Actress. Pic: Twitter/@luciaioevans Image: Salma Hayek, Actress Image: Paz de la Huerta, Actress Image: Annabella Sciorra, Actress Image: Daryl Hannah, Actress Image: Brit Marling, Actress Image: Natassia Malthe, Actress Image: Dominique Huett, Actress Image: Sarah Polley, Director Image: Melissa Sagemiller, Actress Image: Katya Mtsitouridze, TV Host Image: Sean Young, Actress Image: Erika Rosenbaum, Actress Image: Zelda Perkins, Assistant Image: Lena Headey, Actress Image: Lina Esco, Actress Image: Minka Kelly, Actress Image: Lysette Anthony, Actress Image: Tara Subkoff, Actress Image: Myleene Klass, Presenter Image: Angie Everhart, Model Image: Eva Green, Actress Image: Claire Forlani, Actress Image: Kate Beckinsale, Actress Image: Florence Darel, Actress Image: Cara Delevingne, Model Image: Lea Seydoux, Actress Image: Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress Image: Louisette Geiss, Actress Image: Judith Godreche, Actress Image: Dawn Dunning, Actress Image: Asia Argento, Actress Image: Katherine Kendall, Actress Image: Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, Model Image: Mira Sorvino, Actress Image: Rosanna Arquette, Actress Image: Rose McGowan, Actress Image: Ashley Judd, Actress Image: Emma de Caunes, Actress Image: Lauren O'Connor, Executive Image: Jessica Barth, Actress Image: Lauren Sivan, Journalist Image: Jessica Hynes, Actress Image: Romola Garai, Actress Image: Heather Graham, Actress Image: Angelina Jolie, Actress Image: Juls Bindi, Massage Therapist Image: Lupita Nyong'o, Actress Image: Lauren Holly, Actress Image: Mia Kirshner, Actress Image: Marisa Coughlan, Actress Image: Alice Evans, Actress Image: Trish Goff, Actress Image: Heather Kerr, Actress Image: Anonymous (5 women) /

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of sexual assault against Weinstein made by seven women.

In a separate development, an actress in Canada has said she wants to launch a civil case against the producer, alleging he sexually assaulted her 20 years ago while she was making a film in Toronto.

The actress says Weinstein overpowered her in a hotel suite, pushed her onto a bed, exposed himself and performed oral sex on her without her consent.