Pamela Anderson is shutting down critics who questioned the authenticity of her relationship with The Naked Gun costar Liam Neeson.
Anderson, 58, was honored with the Deauville Talent Award at the 51st Deauville American Film Festival in France on Friday, September 5, and her acceptance speech was nothing short of memorable.
“I do not and will never feed into PR stunts,” she said, seemingly addressing reports that she and Neeson, 73, were faking their relationship as a PR stunt to promote their movie. “That would be a death sentence. I’m authentically driven. I’m superstitious when it comes to love. And I’m not comfortable sharing any shred of my romantic life.”
Anderson added, “I know I’ll fall in love again and again on screen. That is my job. If we do it well, you will feel it, a kind of projection. It is the greatest compliment. So please think positive. And I appreciate your good wishes. There are no silly games being played. I’m sincere.”
Anderson’s response didn’t stop there, as she concluded, “Do not mistake my kindness for weakness or my boldness for bitterness. I’m here on this journey, not for money or for fame, but to see what I’m made of in truth, hard work and to leave behind an honest legacy my family can be proud of.”
Included in her speech was also a sentiment about a project that never came to fruition with Werner Herzog.
“Wherever you are, I’m ready to dive into the end with any of you. It would be an honor and a privilege,” she said.
Prior to giving the speech, Anderson walked the red carpet in a strapless black gown, sporting her signature makeup-free look. She accessorized the ensemble with silver statement earrings and a black clutch and waved and smiled to photographers and eventgoers.
The Naked Gun was released on August 1 after a press tour filled with PDA moments between Anderson and Neeson. Us Weekly confirmed in July that the pair were dating after hitting it off on set of the Akiva Schaffer-directed crime comedy film.
The source told Us that Neeson and Anderson bonded over parenthood. Neeson shared sons Micheál, 30, and Daniel, 29, with late wife Natasha Richardson, while Anderson shares sons Brandon, 29, and Dylan, 27, with ex-husband Tommy Lee.
“They really prioritize their families,” the insider said. “That’s been a big bonding point for them.”
In late August, reports swirled that Anderson and Neeson’s relationship was faked; however, a source close to the situation told Us “everything between Pamela and Liam has been genuine.”
Anderson and Neeson have also not shied away from gushing over their chemistry.
“I had never met Pamela before. We met on set. And we discovered we had a lovely budding chemistry as two actors,” Neeson told host Craig Melvin during a July 29 Today appearance. “It was like ‘Ooo, this is nice, let’s not mold this. Let’s just let it breathe.’ And that’s what we did.”
The pair also spent a lot of time together when they weren’t filming.
“We had many dinners out with the cast,” Anderson told Entertainment Weekly in May. “I invited him and his assistant over for romantic dinners with me and my assistant so our relationship stayed ‘professionally romantic’ during filming.”
