ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Former US President George H.W. Bush has apologised for an “attempt at humour” after an actress claimed he sexually assaulted her.

The allegations from American actress Heather Lind came to light on Tuesday and include claims the elderly former world leader touched her from behind while in his wheelchair during a photo call.

His wife Barbara was standing beside him at the promotional event for the American Revolutionary War period drama Turn: Washington's Spies, Ms Lind, 34, claims.

Ex-President Bush, now 93, served as US leader from 1989 to 1993 and is the father of George W. Bush, who was succeeded by Barack Obama.

He apologised for the incident - which Ms Lind said happened four years ago – adding it was an “attempt at humour” and he did not mean to offend anyone.

Ms Lind made the allegations via her Instagram account in a now-deleted post accompanied with a picture of the former president shaking hands with Barack Obama.

“I was disturbed today by a photo I saw of President Barack Obama shaking hands with George H. W. Bush in a gathering of ex-presidents organising aid to states and territories damaged by recent hurricanes.

“I found it disturbing because I recognise the respect ex-presiudents are given for having served. And I feel pride and reverence towards many of the men in the photo.

“But when I got the chance to meet George H. W. Bush four years ago to promote a historical television show I was working on, he sexually assaulted me while I was posing for a similar photo.

"He didn't shake my hand. He touched me from behind from his wheelchair with his wife Barbara Bush by his side. He told me a dirty joke.

“And then, all the while being photographed, touched me again. Barbara rolled her eyes as if to say “not again”.

She also claims that after the incident, security staff working for the former president said she should not have stood next to the Mr Bush.

In a statement given to the DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for the former president said: “President Bush would never — under any circumstance — intentionally cause anyone distress, and he most sincerely apologizes if his attempt at humor offended Ms. Lind.”

Ms Lind goes on before ending with the words: “My fellow cast-mates and producers helped me that day and continue to support me. I am grateful for the bravery of other women who have spoken up and written about their experiences.

“And I thank President Barack Obama for the gesture of respect he made toward George H. W. Bush for the sake of our country, but I do not respect him. #metoo.”

The viral hashtag #metoo sprung up in the wake of the allegations against Harvey Weinstein and spread across social media with stories of sexual harassment and abuse.