Jonah Hill defended by colleagues at 22 Jump Street premiere

Jonah Hill's 22 Jump Street co-star Ice Cube has defended his colleague in the wake of his gay slur scandal, insisting the actor's subsequent apology was "sincere".

Hill was caught on camera calling a paparazzo a "f**got" over the weekend (31May-01Jun14) after the snapper complimented his shorts.

The video sparked an online backlash, prompting Hill to give several grovelling apologies during radio and TV interviews, branding his comment "grotesque" and admitting he had let down his fans in the gay community.

He made a red carpet appearance at the premiere of his 21 Jump Street sequel in New York City on Wednesday (04Jun14), but refused to speak to the press. However, his co-star Ice Cube told reporters Hill was very sorry over the upset.

The rapper/actor told The Hollywood Reporter, "Jonah's a good guy. I think his apology is very sincere, and all the guy can do is apologise for saying something stupid."

Meanwhile, the film's director Phil Lord added, "We're just trying to move past those comments - it was obviously disappointing, but the Jonah we know is different than that."

Co-director Christopher Miller concluded: "We think the movie stands on its own and people will want to enjoy it for what it is, which is a fun time."