Actor Johnny Depp has insisted that he never called America dumb for going to war with Iraq.
The 41-year-old provoked controversy last year when he was quoted as saying the US "was like a dumb puppy that has big teeth".
But in a recent interview the actor said: "I would never insult the American people."
"I used the metaphor of a puppy dog, but I never said ignorant puppy dog. I said it's a very young country compared to old Europe, or Asia."
Depp said he failed to understand why his remarks caused such an outcry and said he had received hate mail from "right-wing military types" after the comments were published.
"Even if I had said what they printed - which I didn't - what's the big deal? I'm an actor."
