Potential jurors in a Los Angeles court have been shocked by the appearance in their midst of Brad Pitt.

Brad Pitt called up for dutyThe Hollywood heart-throb had been called up for jury duty in the city, according to the TMZ.com celebrity news website.

It said the actor was eventually discharged because the drink-drive case he had been due to hear was resolved without having to go to a full hearing.

The website said Pitt had been ordered by officials to serve on a jury after previously being allowed to delay his duty.

He is reported to have postponed his jury service several times because he was always out of the country or working.

It was claimed that, if he failed to turn up, he would be in contempt of court.

TMZ.com said Pitt arrived in a chauffeur-driven car and was immediately taken to a private room in the court building.

His representatives maintain their man had gone through the normal legal channels to seek an extension before reporting at court this week.