By Debbie McGoldrick

Liam Neeson is currently on the publicity circuit, promoting his new release Seraphim Falls with co-stars Pierce Brosnan and Anjelica Huston, but the Co. Antrim-born star wants it known that he never criticized Madonna over her adoption of an African baby during a recent interview he conducted to publicize his charitable works with UNICEF in Ireland.

Neeson issued a statement on Tuesday which said, “In response to totally unfounded allegations recently published on the Internet that I had criticized Madonna’s decision to adopt an African child, I wish to make it absolutely clear that I have not at any stage sought to criticize or pass judgment on Madonna’s decision. Indeed, I did not even mention her name, and most certainly was not intending to refer to her, during the course of the interview which has been so blatantly distorted.

“I was both bewildered and disturbed to have read these reports, which are not only completely false but have distracted from the publicity which ought to have been given to the fantastic fundraising efforts on behalf of UNICEF and the Change for Good campaign, so far having raised well in excess of $7 million distributed to children’s causes in 156 countries.”

Neeson, of course, has been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF Ireland for several years.