Jim Carrey has slammed his late ex-girlfriend's estranged husband as "heartless" for filing a wrongful death lawsuit against him.

He said in a statement: "What a shame. It would be easy for me to get back in a room with this man's lawyer and make this go away, but there are moments in life when you have to stand up and defend your honour against the evil in this world. I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved."

Jim also insisted his late ex had issues "long before" he met her and called on Mark to stop attempting to "profit" from her demise.

He added: "Cat's troubles were born long before I met her and sadly her tragic end was beyond anyone's control. I really hope someday soon people will stop trying to profit from this and let her rest in peace."

The lawsuit claims Jim used his "immense wealth and celebrity status to illegally obtain and distribute highly addictive" drugs under a false name of Arthur King.

Mark's lawyer Mark Avenatti said: "We look forward to the facts and evidence supporting these serious allegations.

"We will also be requesting that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office investigate the conduct concerning these drugs."

The lawsuit alleges Jim gave her the drugs which carried out a "predictable and foreseeable" outcome when she took her own life.

Mark is seeking funds to cover funeral costs and other damages from the lawsuit.

Shortly after her death, Jim said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of my sweet Cathriona. She was a truly kind and delicate Irish flower, too sensitive for this soil, to whom loving and being loved was all that sparkled.

"My heart goes out to her family and friends and to everyone who loved and cared about her. We have all been hit with a lightning bolt."