(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Paris Hilton has apologised for making derogatory remarks about gay people.

The hotel heiress was secretly recorded calling gay people "disgusting" in a New York City taxi. The conversation, which took place earlier this month, sparked outrage when it surfaced yesterday.

The 31-year-old star has now released a statement expressing her regret at the remarks. Her apology was made through American website GLAAD, which promotes equality. She used Twitter to tell fans "how sorry" she is and then pointed them to the other site.

"As anyone close to me knows, I always have been and always will be a huge supporter of the gay community," Paris said. "I am so sorry and so upset that I caused pain to my gay friends, fans and their families with the comments... I was having this private conversation with a friend of mine who is gay and our conversation was in no way towards the entire gay community. It is the last thing that I would ever want to do and I cannot put into words how much I wish I could take back every word."

In the recording, Paris and her friend were heard discussing the website Grindr. Homosexual men use it to find partners and Paris was seemingly dismissive of the lifestyle.

"Gay guys are the horniest people in the world... they're disgusting. Dude, most of them probably have AIDS" she said

"I would be so scared if I was a gay guy... you'll like die of AIDS."

Paris is devastated by her remarks. She has vowed never to speak so flippantly about the disease again and hopes people will be able to forgive her in time.

"HIV/AIDS can hurt anyone, gay and straight, men and women. It's something I take very seriously and should not have been thrown around in conversation," the statement continued.

"Gay people are the strongest and most inspiring people I know. It is so wrong when people bully or put down others for being gay. No one should have to go through that." (C) Cover Media