RAF bosses have issued an apology after calling for a "preferably not white male" to represent them at a Top Gun: Maverick press event.
The latest movie in the sequel, starring Tom Cruise, saw the RAF's communication team looking for someone to be the "face" of an event to launch the production.
The Ministry of Defence have rushed to issue an apology, saying the language "should not have been used".
The email, seen by The Express, reads: "Gents, do any of you have a pilot, who is preferably not white male who would like to be the RAF face at a press event for the release of Top Gun 2?
"Shy guys get no cakes so shout quick as offer also gone out to other units."
The RAF has sparked controversy over the callout.
Ken Pike/MoD/Crown copyright
Robert Oulds, director of the Bruges Group thinktank, told the Daily Express that the leaked email is "divisive and dangerous".
He said: "The Armed Forces should be a band united to serve Queen and country. This seeks to segregate people and mark people out, not on the basis of their ability, but on the colour of their skin
"This is wrong and embarrassing. We need to stand firm and together."
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "This language should not have been used and we apologise for any offence caused. We are determined to encourage more people, no matter their sex or race, into the RAF".