The Anti-Defamation League has said that an apology by actor Gary Oldman for remarks about Jewish control of Hollywood was "insufficient".

In an interview with Playboy Magazine, the star of Dracula referred to an antisemitic outburst made by fellow actor Mel Gibson in 2006. Mr Oldman suggested Mr Gibson had subsequently been ostracised "in a town that's run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he's actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him".

In a letter to the ADL Mr Oldman said he was "deeply remorseful" that his comments were "offensive to many Jewish people" and contributed to "the furtherance of a false stereotype".

But ADL national director Abe Foxman responded that although the apology may have been heartfelt, the actor did "not understand why his words about Jewish control were so damaging and offensive".

He added: "Oldman needs to make clear not only to the Jewish community but also his fans that his words are predicated on offensive notions and, as such, are clearly unacceptable."