Movie star William Hurt has issued a public apology to his former lover and co-star Marlee Matlin, who has accused him of physical abuse during their romance.

In her new book "I'll Scream Later", the deaf Oscar winner details her torrid romance with her Children of a Lesser God co-star - including revelations about the couple's alcohol and drug-fueled fights.

Asked if she was concerned about repercussions from Hurt, she told Access Hollywood, "He knows what happened, I know what happened, we both were there," but added that if the actor walked into a room she was in, she would "run to the bathroom".

And now her ex has responded to her allegations, stating, "I did and so apologize for any pain I caused."