Johnny Knoxville starred in the film remake of The Dukes of Hazzard

Perry Caravello alleges that Knoxville, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and radio star Adam Corolla, promised him $10m to put his genitals in a mousetrap.

The legal action also claims he was humiliated when footage of the incident appeared on the internet.

Knoxville, Kimmel and Corolla have yet to comment on the allegations.

Mr Caravello claims that TV star Kimmel failed to pay him for his work on the 2003 film Windy City Heat.

Manhood

He also contends that Knoxville promised payment for promoting the film's DVD release on Corolla's radio show on the condition that he performed the mousetrap stunt.

Legal papers filed at Los Angeles Superior Court stated that the actor "agreed to do so and, much to his emotional tranquillity and to his physical harm, was severely injured when the trap literally went on his manhood".

He also said that the stunt was filmed without his permission, while the three men failed to pay him or provide an account of profits and royalties from DVD sales of the film.

The TV series of Jackass, which was originally shown on MTV from 2000-2, was the career launch pad of actors including Knoxville, featuring the cast performing potentially self-harming stunts and pranks.

Two Jackass movies have subsequently been released.