Geoffrey Rush denies acting inappropriately towards Orange is the New Black star Yael Stone

Geoffrey Rush has denied fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour amid a defamation battle with an Australian newspaper.

Orange is the New Black actor Yael Stone has claimed that the Oscar-winner acted inappropriately on multiple occasions while they were both starring in a 2010 theatre production of The Diary of a Madman.

Speaking to The New York Times, Stone said Rush held a mirror above her while she showered and danced naked in front of her. Stone also alleges he touched her back in an “unwanted” and “very sensual” manner and sent erotic text messages.

The 33-year-old said: ”I believe that it was meant with a playful intention, but the effect was that I felt there was nowhere for me to feel safe and unobserved,”

Rush’s lawyers responded with a statement, saying the allegations were “incorrect and in some instances have been taken completely out of context”.

“However, clearly Yael has been upset on occasion by the spirited enthusiasm I generally bring to my work,” he said. “I sincerely and deeply regret if I have caused her any distress. This, most certainly, has never been my intention.

“When we performed in The Diary of a Madman eight years ago, I believe we engaged in a journey as artistic comrades. Over the years we have shared correspondence that always contained a mutual respect and admiration.

“As I have said in the past, I abhor any behaviour that might be considered as harassment or intimidation to anyone – whether in the workplace or any other environment.”

Stone claims she shared a dressing room with the 67-year-old during the production, with adjoining showers that Rush once held a mirror over.

“I remember I looked up to see there was a small shaving mirror over the top of the partition between the showers and he was using it to look down at my naked body,” Stone said.

“I believe that it was meant with a playful intention but the effect was that I felt there was nowhere for me to feel safe and unobserved.”

Stone says she said words to the effect of “bugger off” and says she never spoke to anyone about the behaviour at the time for fear of repercussions against her career.

“I was walking a very delicate line where I needed to manage these uncomfortable moments but never, never offend him,” she said.

“There was no part of my brain considering speaking to anyone in any official capacity. This was a huge star. What were they going to do? Fire Geoffrey and keep me?”

Rush is suing Sydney’s Daily Telegraph after the newspaper ran a front-page story last November in which actor Eryn-Jean Norvill claims the actor behaved inappropriately on the set of a production of King Lear. Rush has denied the allegations.