Maggie Gyllenhaal: Sparks firestorm over 9/11 Remarks

US actress Maggie Gyllenhaal has sparked a firestorm of controversy by saying the United States was "responsible in some way" for the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The star of films such as 2002's "Secretary" and 2001's "Donnie Darko" defended herself Wednesday over the comment made during an interview last week with a New York television station.

"Because I think America has done reprehensible things and is responsible in some way and so I think the delicacy with which it's dealt allows that to sort of creep in," she told NY1 television.

Gyllenhaal made the remarks while promoting her new film, "The Great New Wonderful," which tells the story of residents of New York following the terror attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead in New York and Washington.

There has been a furious reaction on a fan website dedicated to Gyllenhaal.

But in a statement posted on her website, the 27-year-old beauty stood by the comments, saying that while the attacks had scarred America, they should also make Americans think about their role in the world.

"Nine/11 was a terrible tragedy and of course it goes without saying that I grieve along with every American for everyone who suffered and everyone who died in the catastrophe," she said.

"But for those of us who were spared, it was also an occasion to be brave enough to ask some serious questions about America's role in the world.

"Because it is always useful, as individuals or nations to ask how we may have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this conflict. Not to have the courage to ask these questions of ourselves is to betray the victims of 9/11," the actress wrote.●