Salma Hayek - Salma Hayek: 'Mexican Heritage Remarks Were Lost In Translation'

The actress, who now lives in France, was discussing her role as a Mexican cartel leader in new movie Savages to editors at Vogue Deutsch, and was quoted as saying, "I am proud to have been involved in this film with all these great actors. Honestly, I hardly had any memories of what it is to be Mexican. My life is completely different now."

The remarks angered her Latin fans, who alleged she had insulted her own culture after finding fame and fortune, but the star has now attempted to explain her comments, insisting her quotes had been "lost in translation".

In a statement, Hayek declares her pride in her Mexican heritage and says, "I have never denied my background or my culture. I have taught my child to embrace her Mexican heritage, to love my first language, Spanish, to learn about Mexican history, music, folk art, food, and even the Mexican candy I grew up with.

"I have always been an active part of my community. I have tried my whole life to represent my Mexican roots with honour and pride. It saddens me when my words are lost in translation and taken out of context to hurt the people of Mexico, whom I love."