Kristen Speaks out About her Offending Comment on Rape

"...In an offending quote, Twilight saga star Kristen Stewart compared paparazzi photos of herself to images of a woman being raped. Almost immediately, everyone from fans to spokespeople for rape victims' advocacy organizations were publicly criticizing the actress.

"I really made an enormous mistake – clearly and obviously," Stewart, currently in Korea to promote the new installment of the Twilight series Eclipse, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "And I'm really sorry about my choice of words."

Stewart, 20, is not known as one to mince words. "I've made stupid remarks before, and I've always reasoned: 'Whatever. They can think what they want,' " she says. But in this instance, the Los Angeles-born actress feels compelled to address the situation. " 'Violated' definitely would have been a better way of expressing the thought," she notes.

In fact, the issue of violence against women is one that has been close to Stewart since playing a victim of rape in the 2004 film Speak. She has done public service announcements for the advocacy group RAINN and for SOC

The irony of the situation in which Stewart now finds herself is not lost on the actress. "People thinking that I'm insensitive about this subject rips my guts out. I made a big mistake." "

Check this out over at People.com and don't forget to leave your thoughts below.

Tags: People.com

Comment by robsten42 on June 4, 2010 at 8:13am: I wish people would stop being so offended about everything. Kristen is always nervous about what she is saying in front of the camera. If the papz would leave her alone she would not have this feeling of being violated and stalked. Kristen is a sensitive person so of course she apologized for her error in words; I hope people will understand and give her a break. Kristen is human just like the rest of us and we all make mistakes; it takes a big person to admit a mistake and own up to it and apologize. I still love Kristen.

Comment by Emma on June 4, 2010 at 8:19am: i agree with robsten42 100% if people would just leave kristen alone (mainly the paparazzi) and stop harassing her 24/7 she wouldnt feel this way. im actually proud of how kristen handles it if i was her i would have gone insane by now and her admiting she was wrong in her choice of words is so brave and shows how much she actually cares she's only human so give her a break for god sake!!!!

Comment by sarah on June 4, 2010 at 9:43am: Well said. I didn't even think about that when I read the article, but I understand if a rape victim were to feel upset over her words. I am glad that Kristen spoke up and addressed the issue. I hope people make a big deal over how kristen owned up to her words and apologised over the situation and leave her alone and stop criticizing her. She's only 20 for goodness sakes 20 year olds make mistakes.

Comment by Kayla (Team Switzerland) on June 4, 2010 at 9:43am: ii didnt think it was a big deal...thats the way she feels...besides people say stupid shiz everyday..but i totally get why people who have been raped would feel offended...anyway i really respect her for admitting it and apologizing for what she said. :D