I'd just like to say thanks to the Times for allowing a debate about Marion's comments. The Daily Mail only allowed comments says "Is she stupid or something?" when the fact of the matter is there are many, many discrepancies in the official story which was created one the day, even during the 9/11 attacks! and has never been seriously investigated in anything approaching openness. Without it then you are going to get conspiracy theories. We can't even agree on basic facts:
Where was Dick Cheney? Simple?- no.
Airline passenger lists... no.
Blackbox data investigated - no.
Timelines of fighter intercepts - no.
The interviews with other terrorists (extracted by torture) - no (illegally destroyed).
How about the 3 skyscrapers collapse? (Nope unexplained). Molten steel at the base of WTC 1,2 and 7? Disputed.
Barabara Olsen phone call? Never happened according to FBI.

The relatives of the victims of 9/11 are calling for a new investigation. Don't you think we ought to listen

Andy, Surrey, UK

I thought it is supposed to be the land of the free, so whatever happened to freedom of expression. She should be able to say what she pleases, as we all do, regardless of whether she is a celebrity or not! Why don't we all be mature and view an actress for her work whatever her personal opinions may be.

Mona, Peckham, U.K.

Quote:

"I talked three times to Marion overnight. This is worrying her. She is still in shock and does not really know how to react. She doesn't have to apologise for a badly presented and badly interpreted reportage."

My advice: Do NOT back down, Marion! :-)

Two words: Dixie Chicks.

Remembers the exact same artificially created, pumped-up, so-called "wave of outrage" over Natalie Maines' remark back in '03?

Look where they are now and where Bush is now in terms of popularity.

Were they right? Seems like a majority of the American people would agree now. Is Marion right? The verdict has not been spoken, yet, but more and more revelations are pointing to the serious possibility that she is. Sometimes things just take an awful lot of time.

In fact she's in some pretty darn good company:

patriotsquestion911 . com

911blogger . com

Dan, Regensdorf ZH, Switzerland (US expat)

Remember when Barbra Streisand and Alec "i'll verbally abuse my daughter if I want to" Baldwin said they would leave the country if Bush was elected? Funny, but they decided to stay here.
Why? First, they don't have the courage of their convictions. Secondly, the economic motive was too great - for them, as for others, the U.S. is the place where they can make the biggest payday.
Same principle holds with Cotillard. Now she's backpedaling as fast as she can, saying that she didn't really mean what she said, or that it's been misinterpreted blah blah blah, because she has realized - d'oh! - that utterings as offensive as hers could hit her where it counts, in the wallet.
Sure, she's free to make uninformed idiotic comments that place her squarely in the black-helicopter crowd. And those who are offended by her comments are free to react any way they'd like, up to and including not inviting her to participate in multimillion Hollywood film productions.
Free speech and the free market!

bob balaban, Los Angeles, california

I've lived near DC all of my life. One thing you get used to after living here is the recurring themes of the local news stories. Here's one that I read about almost every year:

-Random idiot accidentaly flies over Washington D.C. airspace in a small single or double engine airplane.
-Forementioned idiot is immediately tailed by multiple F-16 aircraft within minutes, and is escorted out of Washington D.C. airspace.
-Incident is mentioned on page 16 of the Post, and the locals **yawn**

And yet, a whole HOUR after two commercial aircraft strikes the WTC towers in NYC, a 757 somehow flies into the Pentagon?

Jay, Anne Arundel County , Maryland USA

Personally I think the best way to encourage freedom of speech is to tiptoe around all of the emotive issues. Don't you?

Adrian Farwell, Bournemouth, UK

"Debunking 9/11 Myths: Why Conspiracy Theories Can't Stand Up to the Facts by David Dunbar and Brad Reagan, two editors of the magazine Popular Mechanics" - Well that explains it then... NO IT DOESN'T! You cannot have apologists for the Official Story debunking. They own explanations are completely debunked by other authors (eg "Debunking 9/11 Debunking" by David Giffin)! Selective explanations of some of the anomalies of 9/11 does not answer all the questions.

The relatives of the victims of 9/11 want a new enquiry. Are you telling them to "shut up" too?

Andy, Surrey, UK

Her agent says "Her career is not just American. She can make films everywhere." She should do that--make films elsewhere. Conspiracy kooks take heed of this book: Debunking 9/11 Myths: Why Conspiracy Theories Can't Stand Up to the Facts by David Dunbar and Brad Reagan, two editors of the magazine Popular Mechanics.

Brian, Queen Creek, Arizona, USA

When I read this and the responses I just can't help, for the life of me, remembering previous 'truthes' told the American public (and anyone else listening).

Pearl Harbour: "We didn't know. It was a surprise attack. etc"
Over 50 years later the Pentagon confirmed the two military commanders (a general and an admiral) had been deliberately kept 'out of the loop' concerning the imminant attack so as not to alert the Japanese to our intel gathering methods.
Flight 800: FBI seizes photos and negatives from a couple dining at a Long Island restaurant when one photo clearly shows a cylindrical object (trailing flames and smoke) heading out to sea.
Radar records show a missile track, US NAVY is on-hand below running some sort of operation, USAF pilots spot missile tracking across their path toward the area where a 747 'jumbo jet' explodes moments later and the Cousteu team offers its submarines to retrieve evidence but is rejected - why - faulty fuel pump or errant missile?

Larry, Middletown, USA/NY

MARION ROCKS:
On February 16, 2007, I appeared on a late night French television program,’Paris Dernière.’ In the last 48 hours, my statements on that program have been taken completely out of context and been crafted into a story that has no merit. The conversation on the talk show included a dialogue about conspiracy theories. At no point did I intend to contest the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, one of the most tragic days in all of history. Nonetheless, I sincerely regret if my comments offended or hurt anyone

Lucio, argentina,

-redandover60.- Yes planes hit the twin towers and the pentagon. No one is saying other wise. That is not to say the government didn't play a part in that action! You need to just take a look for your self at the main points of this so called conspiracy theory! Not that rubbish this French lady is stating.

No one is saying a plane did not his the building, they are asking questions about why they collapsed and how and why so quickly and so soon after the attack. The pancake theory does not explain this! Along with why building 7 collapsed?
Just take a look my friend, why don't you want to hear the other side of the story?

I don't know why some Americans think that saying there was elements of the government involved in what happened on 9/11 as saying 'we hate Bush'? What it all about?

'Operation Northwoods', thats what Americans need to read up on. Educate your self so you can make a more informed opinion on such a huge subject.

RIP to the victims of thats disgusting act!

Mark, England,

One believer in the official conspiricy said this:
'YouTube has at least two videos of impact tests that show a jet fighter being reduced to metallic DUST when it hits a concrete wall at 500 mph. '

So tell me, how come the plane that hit the pentagon penetrated 3 rings of steel rienforced concrete, each ring 3 feet thick? I think you'll find with a little searching that, as one military veteran put it, only a bunker buster could have done that.

Still, if living in denial of the fact that you have become the 'enemy' in your own country, as we have in ours, good luck to you, I preffer to live in the real worl, depressing though it may be.

John Dee, london, uk

I drove from NC to NY on 9/11/2001, drove by the pentagon and did see the plane that hit it. My family lives in NYC. My father saw the second plane hit. He was missing for five hours.
WIth that said Americans saw what happenned you only read it on the internet. But since it is in the internet then it must be true.. that seems to me like critical thinking... for sure

Ruth, Cary , NC USA

Wow, they really force feed the 9/11 conspiracy theory over in Europe, don't they? For as many of you who think that we Americans should, "think for ourselves", maybe you should take your own advice. You all spit the same 9/11 conspiracy/anti-Bush rhetoric, so don't think that you're any less brainwashed by your own media than we are. Many Americans do not love Bush any more than you do, but the fact of the matter is that we're stuck with him for another 9 months and then there'll be another American president for you all to despise. And maybe we're not so keen on accepting that there are any other possiblities for 9/11 outside of Al Queda's responsibility bc it was such a horrific act ,and so many loved ones were lost, that its incomprehensible for us to think of it as an inside job.

MC's allowed to speak her mind, but she's naive if she thinks she can belittle an American tragedy (no matter who's behind it) and not expect to receive a negative response in the US.

LO, SF, CA

The freedom of speech we enjoy in the US allows people like this to expres their views and opinions. No where in our bill of rights, constitution, D of I or even a state law says the rest of us living in the US have to agree with that opinion and should be quiet in our disagreement. That's my birth right to disagree with her opinion. Come on Europe wake up - It's an election year in the US and we shred every candidate for what they've said past or present. Do you really think we wouldn't bash a French actress after any comment she makes about 9/11? For heavens sake, I live in Michigan and am real carefull what I say to anyone that was in NY on that horrible day.

Rick, Utica, USA / MI

I don't know exactly how Marion Cotillard framed her remarks, but please be assured there are plenty of people on this side of the Atlantic, not to mention in the United States itself, who simply do not accept the Bush Administration's spiel about 9/11and are not unwilling to suspect a criminal conspiracy fomented from within the highest circles of Government and/or the military. If Marion has stirred up a controversy, so much the better. The U.S. is daily becoming a totalitarian police state where views contrary to the official apparatchik line are considered treasonable. Wake up America.! George Orwell saw it coming.

Brian Bowen, Paris, France

9/11 was an atrocity and an heinous act. She believes that the perpertrators could have been different to those identified by the authorities. What's wrong with that. She should be allowed to have her beliefs and views. There are people who believe in the conspiracy theories regarding The Kennedy assasination, Elvis, Area 51, The Moon landings etc etc. Should they all be censured?

Hamad Lone, London, England

She has a point. The towers were bought/sold for the first time within a few weeks to Mr. Siverstein. The bombsniffing dogs were taken out, and insider trading with American Airlines stock was at an all time high. Sounds pretty corporate. When tower 6 fell, hours later and a few blocks away, in a freefall, with no plane hitting it, how can anyone not think this was about money? It's no secret that members of mossad were filming the event and were pulled over by the NYPD after someone called & said Al Queda was going to blow up the tunnel & were driving a white van. When pulled over, it was the filming crew. American Airlines has stated that cell phone calls could not be made at that time. But fake voice messages were technically possible as were NORAD rockets operated by robot remote control. To date, 440,000 flights have been pilot-less, flown by robots. the FBI couldn't find the black boxes at the towers, but a passport belonging to hijacker "Atta" was found - and he is alive.

BunnyHop, Alberta, CA

Americans should understand that the rest of the world is under no obligation to believe their lies.
If they wish to continue to believe and repeat every myth that has come out of the Bush administration despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, then so be it but they should understand that for rest of us, "if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck", and if the Salomon Building (WTC7) collapsed into it's own footprint exactly like a controlled demolition, the BBC having announced it's collapse 23 minutes before the event, then it was a controlled demolition and a scripted event as well.
NIST still have not explained 'how' WTC7 collapsed because the correct explanation is the only remotely plausible one.

John G, London, UK

Okay, while, obviously, dismissing any of the nuts here that really believe that, "Durrrr...9/11 was an inside job...durrr, I live in my parents' basement and wear tinfoil hats, durrrr", I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it's just 'cause she's SO pretty ;) ! No, but I really liked her before this, and she did offer a pretty reasonable explanation, so as for me, I will give her a second chance. So, the moral of the story is, if you're going to say stupid, crazy crap, you should also be devastatingly beautiful, and it will be easier for people to forgive you :) .

And, seriously, you 9/11 conspiracy kooks, please: While you foolishly bash the US as being freedom-suppressing, the fact of the matter is that you all can do pretty much whatever you want with your lives. So, go out and actually GET A LIFE. Stop being loser freaks and do something that matters. A word to the wise.

Katie, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

Why are so many of you afraid of three words?

"I DON'T KNOW."

I don't know what happened in 9/11. I accept the possibility that Marion Cottilard's opinion is true. I accept the possibility that it is false.

I look at the evidence available to me. I think of the steps that were necessary for this event to have taken place.

I recognise it as one of the most incredible pieces of choreography, to achieve an apparent - or not so apparent - goal, in recent times.

What that goal was, I don't have enough information to say yes or no to many theories. Much is still unexplained.

Yet so many of you think you do!

Instead of condeming this woman, can you really not accept the validity of her holding this opinion? Are your minds really so closed? Do you *know* you are right, or do you just think you are?

I am comfortable in being able to say, I don't know. And in doing so, I don't condemn Marion Cottilard at all.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Very funny that the people that say that she is a "hero" even exist. What planet are you on?
A "hero?" I don't abhor her for speaking her mind...but "hero?" Come on. If that is your idea of a hero then I must be a saint. An American Hero of the first order? She's not American!

Leigh, Memphis, TN

Marion Cotillard did not use her Oscar to promote her ideas (and poor they are). Her ideas have been used to destroy her Oscar. She is the victim there, can't you see it? I thought USA was the country of freedom, but apparently if you don't stick to the official version you are undesirable. How surprising it is... USA coud never miss an opportunity to hate France...

Sylvain, Mende, France

To the Times,

I would like to congratulate you on the range of balanced comments you have for this article.

Unlike the Daily Mail who practices blatant censorship.

David, Reading, UK

Sounds like a case of starting to speak before the brain is in gear. I was in the US at the time of 9/11, how can anyone say planes did not crash into the Twin Towers, we saw it a hundred times on every screen in every hotel or bar.

redandover60, Hayes, Middlesex, England

I think it's a bit strange that everyone seems to understand her comments for something like "We're not told the real story, so New York didn't really suffer". What in the world? She never denied the fact that people people suffered, died, and that something terrible happened!
Asking questions is not a crime, not reprehensible, and is a clear part of freedom of expression. Many Americans should try to remember last time they didn't ask questions and the French did - that was Iraq's WMDs.
I don't agree with Marion, but please, stop this habit of bashing anything that is not in perfect agreement with the government's story just because it comes from a French person!

Juliette, Strasbourg, France

People should be very cautious about the things they say.
That is not to say that you can't have your opinion, this is after all a free country. People that are in the public eye are famous, or infamous, because of the public. Whether they chose the path or not, they are where they are because of people. When disasters happen (ex. twin towers) it would behoove actors, political officials, singers, etc... to remember that family members, loved ones, heros died in that tragedy. Although we may not be directly effected, it would be wise to realize that others were/are. When you know that you can be quoted nation-wide, you should choose your words carefully. After all, many times, it's just your opinion and not necessarily the truth. And please, if you are in another country that is not your own... regardless of the circumstances, DON"T be disrespectful, especially if you are being awarded any honor. (This goes for Americans!!)

roh, Leesville, LA

between the propagandists and the conspiracy theorists, it's hard to know who to believe. I do know the percentage of americans claiming to have been kidnapped by aliens is alarmingly high, though. I googled it, so don't argue.

when it comes to ignorance and stupidity, some (we'll say half so as not to upset everyone) of our american correspondents need to take a hard look at themselves before they start throwing stones. your "patriotism" seems to be leading you around by the nose. comments such as "actors can't be smart" make you look stupid, not them.

your response to any criticism seems to be the response of the bully. whilst you sulk in your room, you're missing a wonderful world out there. you need to get out more.

ms cotillard is a bit flaky, but why take it personally?

jem, london, uk

And while we're about it - Guy Fawkes was in fact working for the Health and Safety Executive, Abraham Lincoln and JFK both committed suicide, and the Mitsubishi Zero that bombed Hiroshima is preserved in the Tokyo War Museum.

BTW, I design commercial jets. They do not blow up when they hit buildings. They bounce. I shall say no more.

olim, halifax, uk

To question what happened to those towers on 9/11 is in no way insulting to the memories of those who died there. Why can't many Americans on here understand that?
I believe Cotillard was well off the mark with her theory, but it is in no way disrespectful.
There's enough holes in the official government story for any sane minded person to start questioning what actually happened and this is all that Cotillard has done
Nothing is more scary than a nation which blindly accepts what its Government tells it.

Matt Damon, Hollywood, LA

"people should keep their mouths shut"

You mean like the relatives of the 9/11 victims who are calling for a new 9/11 Commission Report.

Why did the 3 skyscrapers fall the way they did?
Why crash into the empty side of the pentagon?
Why no intercepts from US fighters?
Why the fake Bin Laden videos?
Why the share trading before 9/11?

The list just goes on and on... Marion should not be critised for raising the concerns of the Relatives of the 9/11 victims.

Andy, Surrey, UK

1. Look into BUIDLING 7 that also collapsed that day.
2. Look at the evidence of “thermate” (variation of thermite) from mental samples from the towers.
3. Look at the photo’s of the heat spots from the pools of molten mental at ground zero weeks after the attacks.
4. Read the eye witness’s of explosions, especially in the basement at the times of the attacks (before and after).
5. Watch the video testimony stating Dick Chaney ordered not to shoot down the plane about to hit the pentagon; this was emitted from the Commission Report.
6. Find out about all the put options there were on stocks to fail on 9/11, the commission report states insider trading "is of little importance".
7. Look at FBI site, Bin Laden is NOT wanted for the 9/11 attacks.
8. Watch the video of press conference with the Taliban offering to hand over Bin Laden to US as soon as they provide evidence of the crime.

Andy T, North East, England,

I find it interesting that -- in regard to the statement about America's angry reaction to her comments -- not one source for this story has come from America itself. The two or three instances where her comments were reported came from European newspapers.

Brandon Fox, Worcester, MA USA

Her comments were totally taken out of context. Americans have just as many conspiracy theories and watch all the same documentaries that she referred to, and this is coming from the conservative heartland of Indiana. Most informed Americans will appreciate her point of view, but then again most informed Americans don't read The New York Post.

Chris Lee, South Bend, IN

One more reason to be thankful that I live in the United States.

Peter, NYC, USA

It is truly unfortunate that Marion Cotillard is being attacked in this manner for speaking her mind. She probably was referring to the tremendous amounts of asbestos contained within the Twin Towers, and the astronomical costs of its removal that was a reality to come. But the asbestos is but a side issue. Ms. Cotillard bravely refuses to believe the fairy tale of the US government's version of the events of 9/11. She has read the research and reports which point clearly to the use of controlled demolition in the destruction of the World Trade Center towers. She knows that the buildings, along with WTC Building 7 (which was not hit by a plane) came down in free fall speed; the US govt. fable defies established laws of physics. That she was forced to retract her remarks does not detract from her bravery in making them.

Marion Cotillard is an American Hero of the first order. I am proud of her. Shame on those who refuse to accept the reality of 9/11: that 9/11 was an inside job of the US government.

John , Chicago, Illinois

I recall one afternoon (during a dull period in the office) watching hours of very believable videos on YouTube that 'show' 9-11 was a conspiracy by the US Government. It was only when I researched the alternative view (i.e. that 9-11 really happened) - at the insistence of my wife, I might add - that I realised the YouTube videos are nonsense. I conclude from this that it is possible for reasonable people to believe the most ridiculous things.

Peter, Singapore,

"The nation that espouses 'freedom of speech' wants no one to question the official story."

Which is why she's been sent to Gitmo. Right?

Jim Treacher, Springfield, USA

This is a perfect example of why actors should keep their mouths shut unless reading from a script.

Jim, Massapequa, NY

Large majority of the people who died on 911 WTC attacks were poor foreign workers/cleaners, people who the American government are unlikely to care about. That is why it was arranged early morning...which was designed to save 'important' rich professional lives.

jayil, london, uk

People don't want to think for themselves. They just want to believe everything they see and read in the news. Just because she has an opinion, doesn't mean she has to leave. There are many in the US who also say September 11th was a whole conspiracy. Should they have to leave too? People talk about FACT this and FACT that. The only FACT is that 2 planes hit the buildings, and people, very unfortunately, perished. Other than that, there are so many black holes in this, that you cannot distinguish FACT from FICTION anywhere else. If Bin Laden was the mastermind, how come the US with all their dollars, weapons and troops have not apprehended him, after almost 7 years now? Instead, because somebody talks about something, the US goes crazy - because she is not in-tune with the absolutely fixed US media. I applaud Marion for speaking her opinion. I suggest those who knock her down should think about things without the US media then make their minds up. Media is a bad drug.

Harm, Newcastle, UK

I salute this lady for speaking out the truth. She has said what millions of us who have access to the Internet have known for some time, i.e., that we have been lied to about the events of 9/11.

Anybody who does some basic online research into 9/11 will soon discover that the 3 towers in New York were bought down by controlled demolition and the Pentagon was hit by a missile, rather than a plane.

Chris Bovey, Totnes, Devon, UK

I am an architect, and I design commercial towers.

They do not fall like this with such one-impact-site damage.

I shall say no more.

David R., London, UK

Well, take this one on for consideration:

Germany never bombed out London either. It was done by the RAF in order to keep the US engaged in WW II.

This statement makes the same argument as your 9/11 triade.

Now call me an idiot too?.

ten shun, california, us

As the American's have used the Twin Towers tragedy as their reason for trying to impose themselves on the rest of the world, I would argue that the rest of the world (for any Americans reading this, the BIGGEST part of it) is justified in questioning what happened.

imj, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Hermann Goering's quote may shred some light into this conspiracy. It makes total sense.

"Naturally the common people don’t want war. But after all, it is the leaders of a country who determine the policy, and it’s always a simple matter to drag people along whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. This is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and for exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every
country."

-- Hermann Goering, Hitler's Reich Marshall, at the Nuremberg Trials after World War II.

jayil, london, uk

I live in the US, which since 9/11 has become the USSA. I applaud this women's courage. Many powerful and influential persons have spoken out as well. When they do, however, they are ignored. It seems the media propaganda bullies especially like to pick on girls. In the meantime, they know the true story but are quivering in their italian loafers, too afraid to tell it. Why? Just as the leaders in Jesus' day, they love their position and what they percieve as power. They love the lie.

betrueseektruth, Plum, Pennsylvania

The nation that espouses "freedom of speech" wants no one to question the official story.

jack , london, uk

Refreshing to see so many diverse opinions about this subject - ranging from what can be expected of some ignorami ('and she's french' / 'get back to France',) to more sensitive and thoughtful comments on the obvious need for a full, independent, and public investigation into what actually happened on 09/11, and the subsequent political actions and who those actions have benefited.
Having followed the events of September 11th 2001, this day was a tragedy for New York and the people who were injured or died in the Towers, as well as their relatives. It would be hard - despite the minority of people who believe anti-Americanism is fashionable - to find anyone who would disagree with this. What is off-putting to me, however, is how the American (and indeed World) media whipped up the hysterical reaction to this event, which has subsequntly been exploited by those in power and those aiming to sell their Pact for the New American Century off the back of human suffering.

Amelia, London,

Egotistically challenged though they may usually be, petty entertainers should learn that critical success is not the same as popular political mandate. For those who suffer every day with the questions that hang over the terrorist inflicted deaths of their loved ones, that struggle should be their own to reconcile, without having to read the vacuous whimperings of a self-important muddle-headed make-up canvas. You've nothing to contribute, Cotillard, get lost and stay lost.

Peter, London, NY,

Her position is quite stupid in my view but I don't think she intended to offend.

The key point is that many people don't trust the media and this fuels all the conspiracy scenarios that can be invented.

After that we can see that the anti-French feeling can quickly surge back in the US. They still not accept France position about Iraq when they decided to invade it.

Guillermo Navarro Garcia, Madrid, Spain

It's quite interesting to see so many people that are so blinkered they think their own government would never do such a thing.

It has happened many times in the past, and will happen many times in the future.

The problem is that some Americans are so spoonfed by their corrupt media they cannot think for themselves anymore.

Some questions for you (and I'm not suggesting anything by asking these):

1. Why are some of the 9/11 hijackers still alive?
2. How did they find their passports, intact, and so quickly?
3. How long had Larry Silverstein owned the buildings and when did he take out his insurance?
4. Why can your government not provide convincing proof that Bin Laden did it (c.f. the dodgy tape with the fake bin laden)?

Now I don't have a view either way on this, nor the real reasons for the London attacks, but people's insistence that their government is out to protect them and would never hurt them is sheer idiocy.

Steve, London, UK

Ahh good god what the hell is wrong with people!!! It amazes me that the simple mention of the twin towers even now gets a massive over-reaction in reply.
I think that American people should be proud that the towers that once represented "opportunity and freedom to achieve" (whatever that means) has been used to express someone's freedom of speech!
Furthermore I also think that this should be put into perspective; it is one girl that won a little golden statue speaking her mind.... but wait! because it isn't some fat bearded documentary maker saying this and even worse she is not American then how dare she have an opinion about this on her own, she should be grateful that she has a little golden statue!!....... seriously people grow up!!!

Steve Williamson, Manchester, UK

Why can't people be a little more humble? Why don't they investigate the reasons for her skepticism before joining the competition to write the most smug, and condescending put down? Condemnation without investigation, wrote Einstein, is the height of ignorance.
And for all these people claiming 'she knows nothing about the subject' -the fact that she is skeptical clearly means she has bothered to look into the facts surrounding 9/11

Tim, London, Uk,

Marion is an actress and people writing here seem to be relatives of the spanish inquisition, you put her up there in the pedestals but you love a free falling to hell. Actors are usually very ignorant people who like to talk politics,about saving the world, having a photo with the poor of Africa and cry when they win an award(business people, doctors,even London traffic wardens! get awards but we don't see them on tv and know about then)so even though her comments were out of order, majority of these people truly believe they are something important and only read scripts and whatever is written about them on the internet. As for people from the US saying leave, go,get out... that attitude doesn't say much about you either. i was in NY in december and found the Americans really friendly, civilized and polite people so quite disappointed to read this from you.

Conchita, Majorca, sp

We can't even agree on basic facts of 9/11! So much for the 9/11 Commission Report...

Marion supports the relatives of the 9/11 since they want a new investigation. Support their call for a new investigation of 9/11 by viewing "9/11 Press for Truth". Anyone that thinks they know more than they do, needs a jolly good re-think of the their principles.

Where are the facts!? 9/11 Commission Report discreditted, no official air crash investigations, no criminal trials, NIST cannot explain the THREE skyscrapers falling down. (Have you even seen or heard about WTC7?) So let's not rush to condemn people with questions please

Andy, Surrey, UK

Why has no-one considered a simple fact here?

The press coverage in the USA was designed to cause rage in the American population. The press coverage in other parts of the world was very different indeed.

I remember switching news channels from BBC to Sky to CNN while it happened - and even on the day the coverage was markedly different.

Mainstream America has based their opinion from what the US broadcasters showed on TV.

Non-Americans base their opinion on their own news service.

It seems rather unfair to blame anyone for coming to a conclusion based on news reports you haven't even seen.

At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who did it - the most important thing is to care properly for the victims families. The identity of the terrorists (whether Al Queada; The Mafia; US Special Ops; Santa Claus) will not change the loss of life which is always regrettable.

Paul Williams, Northampton,

Yet another media celebrity who, because they are in the limelight, think that they can comment on something that they know nothing about. Will she be off on a "Save the World" campaign with all the other celeb-nuts?

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland

I for one will not be watching any more films that have this woman in the cast. And I think lots of other Americans will be boycotting her as well. As far as I'm concerned she's the "Michael Vick" of the cinema world.

Nor Meyer, Mt. Vernon, Iowa

Google:

1. Operation Northwoods
2. Operation Bojinka
3. Gulf of Tonkin Incident
4. USS Maine Explosion
5. Reichstag Bulding Burning Incident

A general search on "False Flag Terror Attacks".

Do your self a favor and even if you dont belive 9/11 was an False Flag Terror Operation, KNOW that elements within the "goverment" are 100% willing to carry out terrorist attacks on it's own people.

Andrew Towell, Hartlepool, England,

WHY is it that anyone who questions the events of 9/11 is branded as anti-American? At least one-third of Americans do not believe the "official" 9/11 story. Does that also make us anti-American? More people should be asking questions instead of accepting what's been spoonfed by the media and the White House. Given the cloud of illegitimacy still hanging over the Bush presidency in 2001 and its subsequent actions -- the illegal war in Iraq, use of torture, spying, blatant disregard for and piecemeal dismantling of the US Constitution, etc.-- it would not be surprising if 9/11 was an "inside job" designed to legitimize the Bush presidency, and thus enable it to wage war, implement its Big Brother agenda, silence any critics and stifle debate. Therefore, this so-called *conspiracy theory* is entirely plausible. The Bush administration is anti-American, NOT those who, justifiably, question or criticize it!

American girl, Zurich, Switzerland,

They all are jalous ! Go on Marion...

nicole, obernai, france

Sorry to give you the bad news guys, BUT Islamic terrorists have supernatural powers. According to the BBC (and other credible sources), some of those terrorists who crashed their planes into the towers are still alive. Freaky hey?

Don't believe me? Check out this YouTube video (or google it):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgkkeTZWZuU

Mohammed, London, UK

To the numerous people who still think Bin Laden took credit for 9-11, he hasn't. Bin Laden twice denied involvement in 9-11 in the weeks after 9-11.
Then 2 months later, American troops, incredibly fortunately, found a video tape in a house in Pakistan with a convenient video confession. Only problem is, the man on the tape looked heavier than Bin Laden, and he was writing very comfortably with his right hand. Bin Laden is a lefty. Logic suggests this tape is a fake, and was used to convince the world of the official story. Do your own research, and make your own conclusions. There seems to still be quite a lot of you who are too afraid to do this, but it's better in the long run to have the truth on your side.

Guy, London,

Ms Cotillard issued an apology last night, March 3, 2008. It was read on American TV.
Obviously the story in the TIMES is for European consumption.

Robert, Miami, USA

Marion is a very brave actress for pointing out the obvious truth, good on her that she will not apologize.
For all you so called patriots, so called Americans who constantly deny the evidence of such a grotesque cover up that is 9/11, it is time for you to come to your senses and actually seek information by yourself instead of sucking every bit of what the mass media feeds you with - Browse the Internet, look with your own eyes and after a while, you will realize your governement lied to you, lied to a whole nation for the sake of power...I am reading your comments and I feel the disgrace, it is an insult to the ones who died in those tragic events. For the last time, the twin towers as well WTC7 have been demolished by controlled detonation and no plane crashed into the Pentagon...I mean, information is easy to find nowadays so seek it, don't sustain it.

AJ, London,

Richard from New York , yours is a knee - jerk reaction. As the lady has stated she has been taken out of context. There is no need to crucify the poor thing.

paul kelly, limehouse, england

This is ridiculous. This was no conspiracy, the bad guys hit us, hard.

NormO, New York, NY

I still can't believe people are peddling the 911 conspiracies, as EACH ONE has been repeatedly disproven. And not just by govt agencies if you were thinking that, but also by industry leaders and other just wanting to know the truth. Also, Rowland, that plane plant they called to ask about the 757 engine parts? It was a cessna-type plant. Yeah, they'd know tons about 757's. And they've repeatedly shown pieces of that plane all over the Pentagon lawn and inside.
I used to believe the conspiracy crap, but once you TRULY start researching it and stop just blindly following what some folks online say, it's pretty obvious that the US government has nothing to do wit hit and it was the work os Islamic extremists, just like 1993.

Want some revealing info? Check out ths video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q20NmYGE-T4
and this site:
http://www.loosechangeguide.com/LooseChangeGuide.html

Trust me, I used to believe what you do, but start thinking for yourselves.

James Holt, Los Angeles, CA

I think she is smart and rad for questioning 9/11. What is more American than having the courage to voice a controversial opinion? And this isn't an insult to family members. Many family members are deeply skeptical of the official story.

Casey, Orinda, Ca

"She just took 9/11 in example, because this is one of the thing that nobody know what really happened"
Yes we do. Terrorists flew planes into the towers and brought them down!

Ernie, London, U.K.

If, as Peter Wolf said, AL quaeda clearly did it, then why did the Bin Laden family`s aircraft make it smoothly out of US airspace on the day??

James, Wellington, NZ

I won't see any of her movies...... I would always think how stupid she is.... when watching the film and I can't enjoy it

liz, west palm beach, fl

Good for Ms. Cotillard.She is not afraid to speak up . If we had the know how to land on the moon in the early 70 s then why is there not luner sation there now. Man has not been there.

Phil , Broken Bow Okla, Okla

Ms Cotillard can think and say what she wants. I, for one, will not support her in any way whatsoever. I will not watch any movie (past, present, future, big screen or TV) that she might be associated with. I am a bit curious to know what research she is basing her opinions on. I would suspect they are not her own thoughts but some willing accomplice simply opened the her lid and deposited the bag of rubbish which she gladly received. It boggles the mind how people can take any actor/actress seriously. God bless America!

Kowboi, St. Louis, USA / MO

eemingly on her way to stardom after winning the Best Actress Oscar a week ago, Marion Cotillard has stumbled upon what just may be the most surefire way imaginable to instantly erase all American goodwill and devastate her box-office potential:

Step 1: Posit that 9/11 was a conspiracy designed to renovate the Twin Towers without having to pay for costly rewiring.

Step 2: After denigrating America's greatest tragedy, question the validity of America’s greatest accomplishment: landing a man on the moon.

Step 3: Be French.

Step 4: When confronted with your conspiracy theories, claim they were taken out of context, but don’t disown them.

Step 5: In fact, remind America that it’s not the only one that makes movies and that you can simply film in other places.

Done. That’s all it takes to complete the Marion Cotillard “Five-Step Plan for Destroying a Burgeoning Acting Career.” It’s that easy, friends. —Dan Amira

BEST ARTICLE!!

JULIA, NEW YORK CITY, NY< USA

The Islamist terrorists have proudly taken full credit for this horrific massacre on tape, in video, in speeches and in print. This woman, in negating the experience we have survived has shown herself to be callous and even malicious, in what can only be described as an "it's cool to hate America" mindset, since there is essentially zero evidence to support any of these ridiculous conspiracy theories. I am so offended that I refuse to see any of her films and will encourage my fellow Americans to do the same.

Richard, New York,

Ms. Cottilard is entitled to opinion and to voice it. If it offends any American citizens they can always find out where she is shooting when in America and protest to the point of where she isn't worth the trouble of production delays.

Sean Jones, Austin, Texas

She is entitled to her opinion. I am entitled to my money and I won't spend it on her movie (or movies) She and her Oscar would be a flash in the pan. Goodbye Madam!!

Francisca, Davis, USA/Ca

So the Americans are saying we'll make you this, we'll give you that, unless of course yo uvoice your own opinion. Where does that remind me of ? I wonder.!

Davide, Verona, Italia

I would like to point out that

(1) That Taliban would only had over Bin Laden if the US provided the proof that he was responsible. Bush refused.

(2) Madaleine Albright was handed Bin Laden on a plate. She refused

(3) Bin Laden has always denied carrying out 9/11, despite what the dodgy footage may show

(4) The FBI have not indicted Bin Laden because there is not enough evidence. Just go to the FBI "most wanted" page and 9/11 is not included.

DB, Berkshire, UK

Clearly Ms. Cotillard is entitled to her opinions and conspiracy theories but many people even in the US who were not in NYC at that time don't really understand why 9/11 was such a tragedy. Ms. Cotillard is not personal friends with people I know who lived across from the twin towers, had to carry their children out of the rubble of the explosion, evacuate their homes for over a year and deal with post traumatic stress syndrome at the thought that the world might be ending. There is a French filmmaker by the name of Edouard Salier who made a short film using footage from 9/11 called "Flesh". When it screened in New York City 3 years ago, the entire audience and even the ushers lashed out at him. It was according to him "quite a scary reaction" and he thought people would physically harm him. Ms. Cotillard SHOULD APOLOGIZE and empathize with these people–and not just the victims–but everyone who had to experience that.

Is, New York, NY

Another Fine French Find........They always apologize when it will hit them in the wallet!

Joseph, Pennsylvania,

Since when does freedom of speech prohibit anyone from making fun of someone else's opinion? Americans have just as much right to blast Cotillard as Cotillard has to say whatever she wants about 9/11 (who knows what really happened? ugh...), the moon landing (eye roll), etc. Obviously, though, if she's said something like that, there's going to be a backlash in the States - that's what I don't get... the "in shock" part. Why in the world would she be surprised? Is she stupid?

From the comments here, it's obvious that Americans hold many different opinions from each other... if we feel "frightened and offended" when we are subject to a foreigner's view of things, that's because said foreigner is usually babbling on about "America is stupid", or "America is bad" (and in an incredibly pretentious manner). Even if some Americans agree with such opinions, most will not take too kindly to negative stereotypes being spoken by someone who thinks he or she knows all.

grace lee, bergen, nj,

If she has that little respect for the United States and it's citizens and can make films everywhere else then she should. If the citizens of the USA boycotted her movies and hit her bottom line maybe then she would learn not to shoot off her mouth and keep her incredibly misinformed opinions to herself. She obviously needs to learn to hold her tongue. She is in a very public profession and her interviews can turn into nightmares when she speaks without thinking or with out a modicum of credibility.

James Oaks, North Branch, Minnesota

Hers is quite a cynical perspective. If the US had not invaded Iraq, and simply remained in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the "world" would not have this perverted perspective that the Bush Administration was not only seeking a casus belli for oil dominance or revenge against Hussein or whatever else, but rather CONTRIVING one! The "hidden" truth about 9-11 is simply this: The FBI was concerned about a major attack but hadn't put together all the pieces of the puzzle ... and then it was too late.

To believe that 3,000 people were sacrified because Guiliani and the NY Port Authority (owners of the WTC) couldn't find a few bucks to tear down and re-build is nothing but seething anti-Americanism.

Frankly, I'm to the point that I agree with what people call "the rest of the world" - No military engagements whatsoever, short of a full, retaliatory nuclear response to a conventional or nuclear attack on America. Out of NATO, out of the UN. Don't worry - They'll still sell us their oil.

Bill, Rockville, MD, USA

Having seen a documentary on the twin towers sometime before what happened and about how well it was built to withstand even a plane hitting it, I was bewildered with what happened. I can`t say I have any answers, but think it needs a good investigation. Also whether there was a link with the American white so-called supremists. The ones who flew the planes to destruction were in the same areas Timothy McVeigh had been before what he did, from what I read. Why are these groups tolerated in the US?

margie, victoria, australia

there are many questions unanswered about 9/11.

One is "how could the airplane pilots, many who were vietnam veterans, allow their planes to be overtaken by passengers with box cutters?"

Another is "how could amateur pilots, who were trained on single engine cessna's, and had never trained or flew commercial airliners, pull off these amazing flying stunts, that many veteran pilots said were near impossible for experienced pilots to accomplish?"

ace, westboro, ma

Hey ZUGERMAN from SWITZERLAND - you attack people and say Marion is allowed freedom of speech - well, she's not American, okay? So let her go back to Europe and have her "freedom of speech" back there, because we don't want her opinion here! And if YOU don't like it, well that's my Freedom of Speech!

Lisa, Los Angeles, California,

Wakey! Wakey! Time to wake up sheeple!
9/11 was orchestrated by your neo fascist government!
Do some research on your own and always remember to think for yourself! Might watch september clues by social service or 2001 a fake odysse by genghis or 9/11 taboo for a start! Do not tell your children later that you did not know what was going on!

peace.

Peter, Cologne, Germany

It's amazing to me how some people are so eager to demonize America and Americans that they will take a story about an actresses's uninformed comments and immediately bend it to their purpose. I would remind our British friends that a number of their countrymen died on September 11th, 2001 and that nobody in America has ever suggested that the Tube attacks of 5 July 2007 were the result of a conspiracy. Even some Americans want to believe in a conspiracy just because they have an intense dislike of President Bush. Consider this, the terrorists entered this country, made their plans, took flight training, etc. all while HillBilly Clinton was chasing chubby interns around the Oval Office instead of doing his job. To Rowland, YouTube has at least two videos of impact tests that show a jet fighter being reduced to metallic DUST when it hits a concrete wall at 500 mph. Cotillard and all of the other conspiracy nuts have no evidence, only vivid imaginations.

Skepticus, New York, New York

Send the woman back to France. They deserve her.

Jack Burnstein, New York, New York

Ms. Cotillard is free to say whatever she pleases. I am free to never see one of her movies. My brother's supervisor was killed on one of the flights out of Logan Airport to L.A. on Sept. 11, 2001; by best friend's ex-husband (a career Army officer attending a meeting that fateful morning) was one of those dodging falling bodies and debris from one of the WTC's twin towers.

Janet Fuls, Cottonwood, CA USA

September 11th was an inside job. There is far too much evidence to suggest otherwise.

Those of you who haven't seen the documentaries Loose Change and 911 Mysteries would be well advised to do so.

This is not conspiracy theory, it is conspiracy fact !

Steve G, Cardiff, Wales

Try Googling operation Northwood. 9/11 WAS A BLACK FLAG OP.

rob, drogheda, Ireland

I am embarrassed at the number of Americans who are so eager to jump all over someone who has a different opinion from their own. Why? Where does all this anger come from, all this "I thought I would like her but now I'll remove all the photos I collected" nonsense? Why the personal investment in the opinions of someone you don't even know.? This interview is ONE YEAR OLD. Has anyone asked Cotillard what she thinks now? Of course not -- that would take the fun out of your attempt to destroy her, like the Dixie Chicks. I would not be quite to disappointed in "my fellow Americans" if they had taken the same amount of time to bash Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Norquist and others lilke them, who have made much more controversial statements but got a pass, even when torture and renditions were going on. You guys have really got your heads on backwards. Have you nothing else to spend your time on? Go organize a another boycott, another bookburning, another CD smashing. Shame, shame.

kitvc, Houston, TX/USA

Sincerly, I'm french, I'm studying in california since september 2007.
I totally understand all that american people and foreigners can feels about this
But this is a misunderstanding,like it says,everything is out of countext, and when I read the article in french, she talk about 9/11 just during less than 1 minute, and the rest of time,she talks about lot of french conspiration
She just took 9/11 in example, because this is one of the thing that nobody know what really happended, conspiration or not,this is still one of the most terrible event of the second part of the XXst century
I don't want to defend her,just replace the things a little bit in the context. Because the american/french relations just started to become better,and a french actress won an awesome american award, we're so proud of that, and feel more linked with american people,that's why I'm sad that some journalist take this out of countext, and use the 9/11 to do that. I hope no american people is offensed by it

Anthony Teyssier, San diego, CA

"Her career is not just American. She can make films everywhere."

Since she can make films everywhere she should leave she's not welcome here. There were two family friends of mine who died that day in the towers. For her to say that our government brought them down because of the costs of rewiring is so idiotic. If this is true then what was our reason for putting a plane into the pentagon? We no longer liked the shape of it come on?!?!

She was certainly entitled to her opinion but when you make such accusations you better be able to back it up not take the cowards way out by saying oh it was taken out of context.

Laurie, Brooklyn , NY

I wonder if she also blames the Jews, the Freemasons, or the illuminati for the towers.

Tom, West Harford, CT

why, despite millions of dollars of traceable investments (the put options on boeing, united, and american airlines) did the 9/11 commission refuse to investigate, saying only that it was traced to an american-based institutional investor and leaving it at that?

according to senior british MP and former environment minister, michael meacher in a well-publicized article, the head of pakistan’s intelligence service (ISI), general mahmoud ahmed, ordered $100K wired to mohammed atta the VERY WEEK before 9/11, while spending that SAME WEEK in high-level meetings with the white house, pentagon, NSA, and the CIA. despite the wall street journal exposing this SAME story, musharraf simply forced general ahmed into “early retirement” and no further action was ever taken.

these and hundreds of other obvious discrepancies and anomalies are precisely WHY people like her have the common sense to question the official story. it is fraud and a myth, created for ulterior motives.

Jack, SF, CA, USA

It is too hard to determine what actually happened on 9/11. We have only seen one factual based report on the events that unfolded. I wish more than one group of people could look into the facts of that disturbing day.

bill, Sterling Heights, MI

She's beautiful, talented and so right on. We need to reopen the 911 investigation. NOW!

ron h, Toedo, ohio

Hi Ms. Cotillard? My relative worked on the lunar landing vehicle, and I can assure you, the moon landing was real. Why would you think it wasn't? Did you sleep through physics? Are you one of those people who 'can't understand why airplanes stay up'? That's okay, you are an actor and probably never had physics in school. Probably you are one of these types that think there are 4 elements and you shouldn't eat anything with 'chemicals'. (All life is made of chemicals, by the way.)

While I don't agree with our govt invading Iraq over the Twin Towers, I assure you from having friends in DC that these so called massive cover ups...like UFOs etc, couldn't happen in the free-wheelin' mess that is our govt. Not today, not anymore. It really was a terrorist attack, even though we retialiated against the wrong people. You give our govt too much credit for power they don't have!

Ann, Dallas, TX

With all due deference to the nice lady from Australia, not every American (by far) believes the official story about the collapse of the Twin Towers. Not all of us are too blinded by patriotism to question the 'news' we are being fed. Just as you ask us to do, we must ask the you, also, use your brain.

Bill Canaday, DETROIT, MI, USA

When are we all as a people, finally going to admit theres a secret CIA torture chamber beneath the Lincoln memorial? Or that Freemasons, with the help of aliens, hid some secret stuff about Jesus? Thats the problem with these actor types, they live in some sort of fantasy world. Put your feet on the ground, woman. Wake up and smell the coffee! Don't you realize there are giant alligators living deep below the sewers? She should be forced to watch Apollo 13....several times. And also anything made by Oliver Stone.

Wilbur Varela, Los Angeles, california, usa

Make your movies lady, we won't go.

chas brand, venice,

I love all of these "there's a little thing called free speech" comments. There certainly is - - but that doesn't mean that there are no consequences to that speech. That doesn't mean that people can't organize boycotts to make sure that Ms. Cottilard's next film (and the one after that...and the one after that...) aren't totally ignored at the box office. Those of us who lost friends and relatives on 9/11 are perfectly free to decide what movies we'd like to attend. Oh yeah - - we're also free to decide that movies starring French airheads with too many opinions and too little intelligence and no sense of verbal restraint are to be avoided.

Ratkin638, New York, US

"Most Americans are frightened and offended by anyone holding an opinion other than their own." Most Americans do not care for anything that comes out of California--opinions,lies, or anything else for that matter. We'd prefer to structure our own opinions, thank you. Most of us are patriots that are waiting quitely to see what history makes of this. Also, generalizations about the particular sociological makeup of Americans are all false as we are fairly dispersive character-wise. Americans are unique--each american is unique. So before you go and lump us all into this bucket denoting all of us as uneducated and coarse, go VISIT AMERICA INSTEAD OF HIDING IN LOS ANGELES. Then form an opinion.

Besides, who cares what any actor thinks? They are trained to repeat and act, not to critically think.

Matt, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Isn't it interesting that virtually everyone who believes Marion's comments are fair live outside of the United States and virtually everyone who has taken offence live within?

This is more a statement on the lack of knowledge about the Twin Towers collapse actually exists within America than a statement about her. Good on her having the guts for saying what she did.

It would be interesting to know how many people who were offended by Ms Cotillard's comments also believed in action against Iraq as a response for the twin towers when everyone outside of the States knew that was nothing but falsehood and media spin as well?

Laurie , Melbourne, Australia

Regardless of what one believes, it would be nice if she had class and respect for those who lost loved ones (like my family and several others I know) to think about what she says before she says it. I have no problem with someone stating their ideas. We have free speech. Bring it on. But, to be as flippant and dismissive about "her" ideas that are obviously from a mish mosh of "documentaries" and real research is rather disrespectful. I have yet to support a movie that made money from my uncle's death, and I will continue to boycott those who seek attention and to profit from his death. In addition, I will continue to boycott anything that attempts to exploit our soldiers. I'd like these people to meet a friend of mine from college who lost both parents in 9/11 and had to drop out of school to take responsibility for her younger sister. This event destroyed lives and hurt many. Show some respect.
Unless you are a mind reader, don't speak for the majority.

C, Denver, CO

She is entitled to her opinion, no matter how stupid it is. I would love to see her in a battle of wits with Paris Hilton. No telling who would win.

Jerry , Dallas, TX

(First of all, let's not forget that these comments were made months ago.)

She proves that she has a head on her shoulders and is not another "air head" and actually has applied some thought to what is going on in the world, which is a lot more than can be said for the majority. I totally support her view, and her right to say it. The 911 comission was a white wash, and doesn't contain any reference at all to the collapse of World rade Centre Building 7. This to me proves that the report is fundamentally flawed and needs to be conducted in the manner of a more independent inquiry. Who can possibly object to that?

I have huge respect for her, and more prominent celebrities should follow her example and speak their mind, if they believe the government is covering something up., Again, who can object to that?

Edwin, London,

Conspiracy nuts of the world unite!!!

Dray, Triad, NC

She's obviously watched Loose Change - that's where she got the "Madrid building not collapsing" thing from.

It's not like she came up with these theories herself.

She's free to believe what she wants, who cares what she thinks?

J.Wilkes, Gloucester,

Next up, Ms. Cotillard lecturing on brain surgery...

This lady is utterly clueless but she will fit right in with the rest of Hollywood.

Tex Taylor, Dallas,

As I have come to understand, the relatives of the people who died in the attacks on 9/11 were the ones who started to question things about the official report because they thought their dead relatives deserved a thorough investigation.
Now the incredibly biased media of your country have made it almost impossible for any form of criticism to be let told. You have been soo Bushed, and you don't even seem to know it.
Why won't you let the ones who actually suffered losses in those tragic attacks have their thorough independent investigation?
Is your government immune to criticism? This is not patriotism, it is scare tactics in the worst DDR fashion. Your country is going to hell and it's a shame because there are so many good people who struggle against things that is happening in your country to YOUR freedoms that you don't even care about.
You must stop watching the poorly informative news broadcasts and all the other propaganda that so easily manipulate your every thought.

Nicklas, Stockholm, Sweden

The wacky conspiracy theory that 19 hijackers, led by someone in a cave, pulled off the complex operation on 9/11 is unbelievable. How did they hold NORAD's jet fighters on the ground for almost 2 hours?

Wake up, fellow Americans!

Kevin, San Diego, CA

He added: "She hopes that the Americans will have enough distance to understand, but her career is not just American. She can make films everywhere."

Good! Let her make her films elsewhere.

VTHT65, Yorktown, VA

everyone should be allowed to speak their mind,especially if they espouse an alternative view from popular culture or one projected by the "mainstream media" or Federal Government.
many people would like answers to many questions,myself included.

Greg, Tacoma, Wa State ( USA)

Yeah, so its cheaper to loose 8 years worth of rents, loose 2 747 jets, cost the country billions in cleanup and other efforts, and cause the economy to go into a recession than to rewire a building.... at least have a halfway decent conspiracy now.

patrick, Richmond, VA

Before anyone is critical of someone who speaks out against the official story of 9/11 they should have a look at the evidence put forth by those who question the official story, there are 100s of well researched and sourced documentories on the internet that raise very serious questions that the main stream media has avoided going near. I suggest people have a look at those and first before they go around calling people naive. Because once anyone looks at the evidence to the contrary, the official story of 9/11 crumbles into dust at freefall speed, just like the twin towers.
So please people, use logic before emotion. In addition to celebraties speaking out, there are military and intellegence officers, politicians, professors, architechs and whistleblowers as well as ten if not hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have woken up to the truth.

Paul, New York, New York

When you're right, you're right.

Nobody needs to back away from questioning the official story... So many lies have been demonstrated, so many inconsistencies and silence from government agencies unused to having their fraudulent activities uncovered.

The hijackers being in US military programs, lack of intercepts, WTC7, exported ground zero evidence, contradictory bin laden tapes and a complete inability to prove the terror charges in open court or even by federal indictment are what leads any thinking person investigating 911 to our horrible conclusions.

People, we're not happy about the situation. I'd much rather live my life not as a 'conspiracy theorist', but if the politicians and appointees are going to keep dodging the questions - we don't have much choice.

Dan Fitzgerald, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Of course 9-11 was an inside job. It is just an excuse to move us into a World Federal Government where our civil liberties are taken away, along with our Bibles, Book of Mormons, and guns.

Look at all of the former CIA, NSA and FBI agernts saying it was aninside job; read and learn; the media works for the CRF agenda of a One World Government.

Kyle, Flint, USA

"She hopes that the Americans will have enough distance to understand, but her career is not just American. She can make films everywhere." '

That statement says it all. Might as well have said, "She doesnt need the support from Americans any longer as she already got what she needs to be successful in outher countries"

Does it really surprise you to hear the french badmouthing americans? That's all they do!

The fact that she refuses to apologize speaks for itself. Personally, I'm going to write to the director for Public Enemies and organize a boycott of all future films in which she is affiliated.

Justin, Mission Viejo, USA/California

Though not a fan of the government complex I can't believe that anyone would buy into the ridiculous notion that our government would kill more than 3000 people on our own soild for ANY reason. Come on people - get real.

As for Ms. Cotillard, she can only pray that the kind and forgiving nature of the American people comes through once again - especially of those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks - and allows her the freedom to prosper here in our country. I DO take notice that she is not staying ONLY in France!

Diane, Reno, NV

First of all, this woman is an actress and pretends to be other people for a living. She lives in a "make believe" world.
So she saw a few documentaries and now believes herself to be an authority on 9/11 and the moon? There are so many conspiracy theories regarging 9/11 it is beginning to remind me of the JFK assasination.
Comparing the Madrid fire she cites and the WTC is like comparing apples and oranges. The Madrid building did not have a plane with jet fuel flown into it---though I am still not clear as to what this actress is trying to convey about 9/11. Is she honestly implying that the US govt mass murdered 3,000plus people because remodelling the Twin Towers would be too expensive?
I have also seen many of the documentaries and am not convinced of their validity. Are there unanswered questions regarding 9/11, yes there certainly are. But there are unanswered questions regarding most disasters, hence why there are so many conspiracy theories. People love it!!

Mary Russell, Atlanta, US

"Cotillard said that the towers were destroyed not as part of a terrorist plot, but because it would have been too expensive to rewire them"

wow. how does a mature woman come to that fantastic conclusion?

Chris, Tulsa, USA / OK

Hi Allen,
The chair and co chair of the 9-11 Commission, Hamilton and Kean, wrote a book called Without Precedent, saying they considered pressing charges against the Pentagon for lying to the commission. The say they were stone walled, and not given access to vital information, or given a wide enough remit to deliver a thorough report for the American people.

I think there is a lot of fishy stuff going on, particularly with the as yet unexplained collapse of building 7.
It doesn't matter to me if you agree with me, or think something else. Lots of people believe everything they read in the papers and see on the tele, and lots of other people have done extra homework and now believe something else. Lots of people don't care either way.
I haven't looked into the moon landing but I disagree with Marion there, cos we got moon rocks up there.
Either way, it's good to discuss the facts right? Stick to what Cotillard actually said, and do the research, and, debate?

Guy, London,

The original U.S government 'conspiracy' states that one of the hi-jackers passport flew right out of his pocket or luggage..went through the planes inferno windows, bounced of the wtc walls and dropped a few blocks away... it was slightly burned, and his photo was clearly visible. However, everything else pulverised/vaporized, including the towers, planes and people.

This is no joke...just google it.

http://www.rense.com/general48/secondhijackerpass.htm

stanzler, ny, usa

She's paid to be pretty, not to have a functional understanding of the world. Lighten up people.

Dan, Bangalore, India

Ms. Cotillard might consider how her French parents and grandparents might perceive a claim by an American actor, perhaps someone like Johnny Depp, that Germany had never invaded France, and that WWII was merely a conspiracy made up by the United States to explain why so many Frenchmen had killed each other within their own borders. In the end, the American public will have their say by specifically boycotting patronage of any film in which she appears, most specifically "Public Enemies." According to Ms. Cotillard's agent, she is so talented and in demand that she can work anywhere in the world besides the US, so we should all be so kind as to oblige her.

Trevor Hoffman, Honolulu, Hawaii / USA

Freedom of speech in the United States is NOT freedom from criticism. You absolutely have the right to say anything you want without the risk of BEING THROWN IN JAIL (except for certain things - yelling fire in a crowded theater). But you have zero protection from making a fool of yourself and people disagreeing with you, and the resulting criticism that may follow.

Cayne, New York, NY, USA

Everyone is absolutely entitled to form their own opinion, but to assert that the attacks were orchestrated out of an effort to avoid rewiring costs is asinine. If your going to make a public announcement informing the world of your opinion try and make it an intelligent one.

Ef, Dallas, USA

Yay for free speech. Here's mine...she's wrong about 9/11. But congrats to her on her Oscar, anyway. Time to move on.

Cherry, San Diego, CA

Our English friends keep reminding ust that everyone is entitled to their own opinions.May I remind them that we are also entitled to ours, and that when we hear something that is quite mad, we are entitled to react to it with the scorn it deserves? No one is stopping this woman from saying anything she likes, but no one will stop us from responding.

Thad, Nashua, New Hampshire

Any dolt could tell that her comments were (probably intentionally) taken out of context. I have no doubt that she was questioning the official story, but would be shocked to discover that she'd actually been implying that the attack was faked simply to do away with the dated structures in a cost-effective way.

I just wish she'd said her piece at the Oscars, and then refused the award. Considering that they have recently placed such heavy restrictions on documentaries -- allowing only those that have had a specific theatrical run -- I can't help but feel that they are aiding in the quieting of those dissenting voices that challenge the joke known as the official 9/11 Commission Report.

Mr. Tonkin, Toronto,

What insight! I'm going to sign up for acting classes so I, too, can be so fortunate to gain such enlightenment. These conspiracy theorists are truly the only ones who see the truth because we of the masses are too dumb and only think what we are conditioned to think. Apparently, you can only form your own opinion if it flies in the face of conventional thought.

David, Torrance, California

Bin Laden claimed resposibility for the attacks in 2004, and again in 2006. Surely a Raincy teenager could be enticed to stop burning cars with a few Euros and asked to translate? Maybe in the same tape bin Laden mentions that he is an owner of the WTC?

Maybe the actress could tell Buzz Aldrin that he didn't land on the moon? I would be careful, though! Ask Bart Sibrel (sounds French).

Red, Brooklyn,

To the people who are writing that there may be something to these conspiracy theories, and therefore we should let her off the hook, I have only one question: If 9/11 was not done by Al Qaeda then why did Osama bin Laden openly admit to it shortly after the attack and has continued to admit it? This is the most well documented terrorist attack in history. There is not a shred of doubt as to who did it. That anyone, anywhere could think otherwise reveals the virolence of the hatred towards this country.
Now, the fact that we should cut her some slack and pay attention to the 'distance' between now and when she made this remark ( only one year ago) is nothing but a feeble excuse.
Finally, to the lady who lost a loved one in the attack and who also thinks this is a consipracy I say this: Where is the PROOF??

peter wolf, lake forest, USA

Everyone has the right to free speech!... as long as you don't criticise anything American.

Howard, Manchester,

Well done, we should all learn to question the "official story" on such events, there are clearly gaps and the whole world would benefit form a legitimate investigation to 9/11

Mr D Malone, Coventry,

"actors" should remain just that---we dont care about your public opinion unless you are using it to help people...otherwise, stick to reading what someone else wrote, and looking beautiful,,,,silently. and if you think its so bad here, then leave

K, Fort Lauderdale, fl

well la vie en rose did manage to exclude piaff's war time activities so perhaps its only fitting ms Cotillard should express a distorted view of world events!!!

john, dublin,

It good to see someone so ‘simple’ realising that everything we are told just doesn’t add up.
She deserves another Oscar.

MR.O. Ribble, London, England

Most Americans are frightened and offended by anyone holding an opinion other than their own. If they got out more, they'd realize that a large majority of the inhabitants of this planet see Americans as being unable to subjectively see anything beyond their ownlimited borders, due to their appallingly biased media coverage.

John Bard, Los Angeles,

Her opinion is her opinion, stupid and uniformed as it may be. This is a free country and anyone can say what they like as long as does not endanger people; but, we DO NOT have to give this person a work visa. If she can make movies anywhere, then let her do so. She should not be given a work visa for the USA. There are always consequenses to what one says. Actors need to learn that they are no more immune than anyone else, even less so, since their work does not really serve a necessary purpose. I will not go to see any movie she is in.

Drew Adams, Ocean Springs, MS USA

u sed it mike - she is entitled to her opinion, and even if wasnt quoted out of reference she should allowed to express that opinion.. freely and without the american or any other press for that matter dragging her through the mud - its a little thing called freedom of speech.. remember that? as some one sed, "i might not agree with "xxx" opinion but ill defend to the death his right to air it"..

zugerman, zurich, switzerland

Mike- did you even read the article? Come on...

Kathryn, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Amazing... A French actress wins the Academy Award and suddenly people are digging up speculative comments about 9/11 she made a year ago.

Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed by the comments of Chicago. Shall we install a Czar of Speech in America? Since these comments (taken out of context) were made in France, should we set up courts all over the globe to regulate the speech of people who say anything about America but especially of foreign artists who win Academy Awards--or have we already?

Or should we simply accept that Marion Cotillard is an exceptional screen artist entitled to her dopey opinions about the moon, 9/11, et al, and get on with our lives?

This is obviously a smear campaign. Acting is acting; politics, conspiracy theories etc., exist in another realm. And as other bloggers have noted (elsewhere) actors are not known for their mild opinions... witness Vanessa Redgrave, Marlon Brando, Sean Penn, Mel Gibson.

But... Ms. Cottillard, we DID indeed land a man on the moon!

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US

so mike.... she's "entitled to her opinion" - but if you don't like it she has to leave town, hmmm.....

Darren, Montreal, Canada

I thought one just looked at the pictures of the New York Post. I didn't know it had "readers". The US would have never won the revolution against England without the French Navy and French money. I don't understand why americans go nuts about anyone from France that doesn't toe the American "Popular Opinion" lines. There must be something wrong with the water here. We are a herd of idiots.

Karen, Atlanta, USA

Another stupid 'artist', claiming that they can say whatever they like regardless of how it hurts peolpe or distorts the truth.
I suggest you Americans throw her out of your Country and boycott her films - Its her right to insult America and its America's right to drop her from public affection.
I hope the owners of the twin towers sue her and bakrupt her.

Richard, Kiev, Ukraine

Oh dear. And there was I thinking that here we had a superb actress and someone above the run of the mill.

Seems she is just another airhead.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

Don´t North Americans have any better to do?
Hey Mike, get a life pal?
I was brought up in Chicago and you make the people of Chicago look bad.
So she gave her opinion, big deal, that´s the biggest problem in the US today. There´s no opposition in this country, everyone has to agree with everyone. Democrats sound just like the Republicans and back and forth. If you oppose you are a against the US, come on.... Live in the now!!!

Regi Agulha Jr, São Paulo, Brazil

Hey Guy, you need to get your facts straight. The 9-11 Commission never indicated or supported a conspiracy theory. Someone's tainted your teabags.

Allen, Cleveland, Ohio

Calm down people, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Just because it doesnt match yours doesnt make it a death sentence. Remember how they used to believe the earth was flat, indeed some politicians still believe it is.

Cromwell, Leeds, England

She should make films everywhere else.

Lyn Morales, San Diego, CA

As a 9/11 widow, I applaud Ms. Cotillard in her understanding that the official story of 9/11 is unsubstantiated or based upon incomplete information; lies and distortions. A criminal trial is what is needed to bring the facts to light and the perpertrators (beyond the terrorists caught or deceased) to justice. Thank you, Ms Cotillard for not backing down and giving strength to others to continue the fight for 9/11 justice and the right to speak our piece based upon facts and not information purported to be fact, "because the government told us so".

We all need to question everything done in our names, because, according to the government WE are the enemy. As laws like the patriot act only serve to circumvent the rights of ordinary LAWFUL citizens; no where on earth have terrorists ever abided by laws.

Fight Back, for the sake of humanity! It is our responsibility

Signed : Ever saddened by the loss of my husband, my country and the liklihood of a peaceful future for the world

9/11 widow, New York, USA

...maybe she could tell us her thoughts on the economy.

Reggie, Boston, MA

Just one more example of the public lending credence to the ravings of a fruitcake who knows absolutely nothing about the subject.

Larry, Phoenix , Arizona - USA

All she said was that she is sceptical about the official version of events and that there may be other explanations. She doesn't know any more about it than any other punter on the street and nor does she claim to. I applaud her for thinking for herself rather than just believing what she's told. Americans have a long tradition of doing just that. Its a shame they forget this when its not one of their own doing the thinking.

Ziggy, London, UK

Regarding Marion's comments about 9/11: I am totally saddened and depressed to read her comments. 'Dstance'? Distance from what? We're supposed to ignore such a horrible accusation as that? I was so happy to see her win and her reaction to her victory. This is a person who the Americans would have just loved !!. Well, Ill get over it once I delete all the pictures i collected of her. Her agent is correct; let her make movies in other countries now that the Oscar has boosted her income potential.

Peter wolf

peter wolf, lake forest, california

Not another conspiracy nut

Bryan, Houston, USA

Good on her for saying what many in the media are too afraid to say. Of course there has been a coverup regarding 9-11. Even the 9-11 commission have said this! When are we going to get a real investigation into 9-11 that honors the dead, instead of insulting them. GO MARION!

Guy, London,

Maybe the Academy could demonstrate to her that the Oscar didn't really happen either.

David Masu, Zürich,

She is just a stupid actress. Who cares what she babbles on about? No different than Bridget Bardot or Paul McCartney trying to save baby seals.

A Currie, Don Mills, Canada

The Academy should immediately strip Cotillard of her Oscar. Anything less fatally damages the credibility of this institution.

Andrew, London, UK

I am really disappointed that she does not look at all the evidence first before making that conclusion. Is she dating Charlie Sheen? Knowing America very well they will not go see her movies. Good luck with any future success in the States Marion...

Derek, Chicago, IL

A cursory look beyond the "official story " of 9/11 reveals there is plenty of information which should lead any true american to further investigation. The gross lack of awareness among americans about what our goverment is doing, not to mention the motives behind many actions, is what is truly shocking! Has anyone heard of disclosure, accountability, etc etc....

tim, minneapolis, mn

Land of the free eh Mike?

Rich, London,

Wow, that's a new one. She doesn't seem like the brightest baguette in the bakery.

Dave, Los Angeles,

It was the French that first pointed out the impossibility of a plane the size of a 757 making only a 16 foot hole in the Pentagon and then disappearing -- no tail fin, no motors, no seats, no baggage, no passengers, etc.

Maybe they know more than you think they do.

Rowland , Orleans, MA

The media is attempting to smear Cotillard as an anti-American French nutcase by making out that doubting the official 9/11 story is some kind of poisoned chalice and tantamount to holocaust denial. The fact is that the 9/11 cover-up is so out in the open that most people with two brain cells to rub together know it's a con.

Cotillard is not going off on a mad tangent and endangering her career, she is merely saying what the majority of other people think.

P.P, NY, USA

Speaking as a person who lives in Chicago, she should leave, she is not welcome here.
She is certainly entitled to her opinion and we are entitled not to like it.

mike, chicago, il.