Sharon Stone loses Dior contract in China

Actress Sharon Stone has been dropped by cosmetics firm Christian Dior from its Chinese adverts following remarks she made about the recent earthquake.

The firm's Chinese office also issued a statement attributed to Stone, in which she apologised for saying the disaster could have been the result of "karma".

In it, Stone said she was "deeply sorry" that her remarks, made in a TV interview last week, caused anguish.

Stone, 50, models for Christian Dior, and the company's Shanghai office issued her apology.

"Due to my inappropriate words and acts during the interview, I feel deeply sorry and sad about hurting Chinese people," the statement said.

"I am willing to take part in the relief work of China's earthquake, and wholly devote myself to helping affected Chinese people."