Jonathan Rhys Meyers says alcohol relapse was 'just a blip'

Jonathan Rhys Meyers has apologised to fans for his recent relapse. Photo/Getty

Jonathan Rhys Meyers had a "minor relapse" earlier this month.

The Damascus Cover star, who has sought treatment in rehab for alcohol addiction three times in the past, feels "quite embarrassed" after photographs recently surfaced of him drinking vodka while looking dishevelled in London and has assured his fans it was "just a blip" in his recovery.

The 37-year-old Irish heartthrob addressed the incident on his fiancée Mara Lane's Instagram page, writing: "Mara and I are thankful for your support and kindness during this time. I apologise for having a minor relapse and hope that people don't think too badly of me."

Jonathan also brushed off speculation he skipped the Cannes Film Festival as a result of his personal issues.

He added: "I stopped drinking immediately and it is no reflection on Damascus Cover as I was not meant to attend Cannes this year and I apologise to fans and colleagues.

"I am on the mend and thank well wishers and sorry for my dishevelled appearance as I was on my way home from a friends and had not changed I feel I made a mistake and feel quite embarrassed but this was just a blip in my recovery otherwise I'm living a healthy life. Love and blessings."

The Tudors star previously revealed he gave up drinking completely because he wanted to stop hurting his family and friends.

Speaking in 2013, he said: "I was wild, I was as wild as you can get. When you are on the front of newspapers for stupidity, getting drunk at airports, fighting with cops and stuff like that, you wake up the next day and you can hardly f**king remember it.
Responsibility gets diminished.

"As you get older you see the stupid things you have done. It is not the consequences for yourself but your family get hurt, your friends get hurt."

- Bang! Showbiz