Gyllenhaal dabbles with politics

Maggie Gyllenhaal has waded into sensitive political waters by raising questions about September 11 and American foreign policy.

The 27-year-old actress, who stars in a new film about the 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Centre, said in an interview that the United States "is responsible in some way" for the attacks. A fan website devoted to Gyllenhaal was overwhelmed with criticism.

In a statement issued by her publicist, Gyllenhaal said September 11 was "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."