Dustin Hoffman is apologizing for the alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old intern in 1985, saying "it is not reflective of who I am."

Writer Anna Graham Hunter alleges that the now 80-year-old actor groped her on the set of TV movie "Death of a Salesman."

The Oscar-winner replied in a statement: "I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am."

Hoffman is the latest Hollywood name linked to a deluge of sexual harassment and assault allegations.

Reuters could not independently confirm Hunter's allegations. Hoffman's representatives did not respond to requests for further comment and Reuters was unable to reach Hunter.

Hunter alleged in extracts from her 1985 diary and notes to her sister that Hoffman made vulgar remarks and jokes at her expense while she was working as a 17-year-old production assistant on the set of the 1985 TV film "Death of a Salesman."

"He (Hoffman) was openly flirtatious, he grabbed my ass, he talked about sex to me and in front of me," Hunter wrote.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reported that six women had made allegations of harassment and unwanted attention against movie director Brett Ratner. Ratner's lawyer vehemently denied their claims.

A number of allegations of sexual harassment and assault have been made in recent months against some prominent Hollywood men, including producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey.