Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa joked about raping beautiful women during a panel discussion, a recently resurfaced video clip has shown.

The actor made the comments during a talk at 2011 Comic Con, a comic conference held annually in California. The footage has been widely shared on social media since it was uploaded to Twitter on Thursday.

In the clip, Mr Momoa is heard to say: “But as far as sci-fi and fantasy, I love that genre.

"There's so many things you can do, like rip someone's tongue out of their throat and get away with it...rape a beautiful woman, you know?"

After these comments, the audience laughs while several of the actor’s fellow panel members look uncomfortable.

Mr Momoa quickly says, “next question?” and covers his face with his jacket.

Many took to social media to condemn the joke. One Twitter user, Meg Ahsens, said: “Everyone laughing after Jason Momoa jokes about rape IS rape culture. That laughter is why victims don't come forward.”

The actor has since apologised for the remarks. In a statement posted to his Instagram account, he said: “I awoke in Australia to the justified reactions by many people to a distasteful joke I made years ago in Hall H for which I am sorry. I am still severely disappointed in myself at the insensitivity of my remarks that day.

“I know my sincerest apology won’t take away those hurtful words. Rape and sexual harassment can reach anyone and I have seen first-hand its painful torment among members of my own family and friends."

This footage has emerged after a flurry of allegations of rape and sexual assault made against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

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On Thursday, Kate Beckinsale became the latest actress to accuse Mr Weinstein of harassment, saying he had made inappropriate advances when she was just 17.

The number of actresses who have come forward to accuse the producer of harassment and assault continues to grow, and now includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd.