President Barack Obama has apologised to California's Attorney-General Kamala Harris after praising her looks during remarks at a fund-raising event in San Francisco.

Mr Obama was paying tribute to Ms Harris, who is 48 and unmarried.

Comments: California's Attorney-General Kamala Harris, whose looks were praised by Barack Obama (right). Credit:AP

''She's brilliant and she's dedicated; she's tough,'' he told his audience. ''She also happens to be, by far, the best-looking Attorney-General.''

Amid laughter from the crowd, the President added: ''It's true! Come on!''