Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal has come under fire for suggesting that United States policy "is reponsible in some way" for the events of 9/11.

The Guardian reports that the actress, who stars in The Great New Wonderful, a film dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, made the comments in an interview last week.

A fansite dedicated to the star was reportedly forced to refuse any more posts on its forum due to the deluge of criticism levelled at her.

Earlier this week a statement from the actress said that the attack on the World Trade Centre 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.

"Not to have the courage to ask these questions of ourselves is to betray the victims of 9/11."