James Franco Apologises For Instagram Indiscretion

Rather bizarre events this week have seen James Franco come under fire for flirting with a 17-year-old girl on Instagram.

The 35-year-old actor propositioned Lucy Clode from Dollar, Clackmananshire, while she was on holiday in New York after the fan posted a picture of him outside the Broadway theatre at which he is currently starring in a production of 'Of Mice and Men'.

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In a series of messages, he asked for her number, whether she was single, and suggested renting a hotel room for the night.

Some are speculating whether Franco’s actions were actually intended to encourage press coverage for his new movie Palo Alto, in which he plays a high school football coach who seduces a 14-year-old student.

But whether that’s the case, or it was simply inappropriate, he has apologised for the incident. Speaking on US television show Live With Kelly and Michael, Franco said he used "bad judgement".

"I learned my lesson,” he said. “It's the way that people meet each other today, but what I've learned, I guess because I'm new to it, is you don't know who's on the other end."

"When you meet in person you get a feel for them, you don't know who you're talking to," he added.

"Unfortunately in my position, not only do I have to go through the embarrassing rituals of meeting someone, but if I do that, then it gets published for the world so it's doubly embarrassing."

Palo Alto is currently scheduled for limited release in the States from 9th May.