Bardem retracts "stupid" Spanish comments

Javier Bardem has denied that he insulted his Spanish countrymen when he referred to them as "stupid people" in an interview with the New York Times.

The No Country For Old Men star criticised the Spanish media for accusing him of abandoning the country's film industry to work in Hollywood.

"The Spanish are tough," he said. "They criticise my work and say I sold out. You want to say: 'Stop it - you're a bunch of stupid people.'"

However, the Oscar-winning actor, who is currently dating Penelope Cruz, issued a statement distancing himself from his earlier comments.

"Contrary to what I was quoted as saying, I feel very proud of my country and through my work I have always tried to contribute to its culture within and outside Spain and to honour my people," he explained.