HILARY SWANK - SWANK UNDER FIRE FOR TEACHER ROLE

Double Oscar winner HILARY SWANK has come under fire for her role as an inspirational school teacher in new movie FREEDOM WRITERS - because the actress never graduated from high school. The MILLION DOLLAR BABY star, who admits to being somewhat disruptive in her youth, faces controversy for her part in the film, which is based on a true story. She says, "I'm not proud to say I'm a high-school dropout. I'm not proud that that's something that happened, but it happened. "I think school is really, really important and we have an education problem in this country and it's a shame. It's a shame for any kid to feel hopeless about their future." She adds, "On the report cards it said, 'Hilary will not stop talking. She's a jabbermouth.' That kind of thing."