Newman is said to be "disturbed" by the use of his name

Newman's Day, which is held annually on 24 April, sees students attempt to drink 24 beers in as many hours.

In a letter sent to the university, Newman's lawyer said the actor was "disturbed" by the use of his name in conjunction with the event.

"He would like to bring an end to this tradition," the letter said.

The ritual has been named after the 79-year-old actor in reference to a quote he is alleged to have said: "24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not."

Unofficial

Part of the challenge sees students attempting to make it through their classes while drunk or consuming their hourly beer.

However, Princeton's dean of undergraduate students Kathleen Deignan said that the event was unofficial and did not have the backing of the University.

"We clarified that Newman's Day is not sanctioned by the university and in fact we go the other way. We try to stop it."

Ms Deignan said that the event was "insulting" to Newman given that his 28-year-old son Scott died of a drug overdose in 1978.