A casting call for Quentin Tarantino's latest film which called for "whores" has once again highlighted Hollywood's problem with rampant sexism.

The notice shared by a Los Angeles casting agency on Facebook called for actresses with natural breasts and natural hair colouring who were interested in playing sex workers in the legendary director's new western film.

But the phrasing of the notice, which required actresses to apply via email with the word "whore" in the subject line, has sparked outrage online.

The controversial casting call. Photo: Women and Hollywood

"Casting whores for Quentin Tarantino project" read the notice. "Caucasian, non-union females, ages 18-35". "No highlights, natural eyebrows, natural breasts, natural hair colour to be true to the period. Dress sizes 2-8."

"Please send photo, including sizes to [redacted] and write whore in the subject line"

Advocacy website Women and Hollywood spotted the notice posted in late May (which has since been deleted) and reached out to the agency who said the word 'whore' was a term used straight from the script.

"They assured us that while Tarantino is not directing the project, he is producing, and that the use of the word "whores" came directly from the script (which we've been told was written and will be directed by a woman)."

Quentin Tarantino directs a scene of his recent western The Hateful 8. Photo: Roadshow/The Weinstein Company

Women and Hollywood said the word should never have been used, was loaded with meaning and was a typical example of sexism in Hollywood.

"Putting a casting call out for, or including women in your script with the description of "whores", is not OK. Nor is asking actresses to submit their photos and information for consideration with the subject line "Whore".

"It would've been just as easy to have said that the project was looking for actresses to play prostitutes, saloon girls, or brothel workers but the use of the word "whore" to describe these roles is degrading and the fact that casting announcements frequently use the word is indicative of an ongoing problem in the film industry.

It is understood Tarantino is producing the film, which has been written and directed by a yet to be named female director.

Sexist casting calls are everyday fodder in Hollywood, with one blog, Casting Call Woe, documenting the most deplorable notices dating back to the 1940s.

This March, a group of actresses also filmed Casting Call: The Project, a YouTube video which showed real actresses reading real casting calls. The clip, which has been viewed 80,000 times, shows the actresses reacting to the casting notices, with several of them even crying.

Tarantino is yet to respond to the controversy.