Huckabee denies criticizing Portman's pregnancy

[March 05, 2011]  LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee says he wasn't criticizing Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman when he suggested her pregnancy was glamorizing the idea of having children outside of marriage.

Huckabee on Friday accused "the Hollywood media" of distorting comments he made about Portman in a radio interview Monday. Huckabee said in that interview that it was "troubling" to see Portman or other celebrities having children while unmarried.

Portman is expecting her first child with her fiance.

Huckabee is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination. He praised Portman as an actress Friday and says he's glad she plans to get married.

A publicist for Portman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. She recently won the best actress Oscar for her role in "Black Swan."

[Associated Press; By ANDREW DeMILLO]

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