Halloween 2018: Jamie Lee Curtis HITS BACK after being slammed for wielding gun on-screen

A report in Fox News had slammed her for using firearms in the new Halloween movie – given her apparent stance on US gun control.

The actress clarified her political viewpoint on the issue, revealing how there is nothing hypocritical about what she does on-screen as Laurie Strode.

“It was just silly, because [Fox News] were trying to make a point without ever asking me what I really think,” she told USA Today.

“And what I think might surprise them. I am vocal about common-sense gun safety and gun laws.

“For instance, I fully support an assault weapon ban, I fully support a bump stock ban. I fully support the Bill of Rights. And fully support the Second Amendment.

“And have absolutely no problem with people owning firearms if they have been trained, licensed, a background check has been conducted, a pause button has been pushed to give time for that process to take place. And they have to renew their license just like we do with automobiles – which are weapons also.”

She added: “They knew that Laurie was going to be someone who used firearms. And I think there were myriad types of firearms that could have been used in the movie.

“I was very clear with the filmmakers that she used the weapons [that] were intended for self-defence for her and her family.

“I’m an actress who’s in slasher movies. I have to be responsible for my own personal choices in my own personal life.

“But I am an actor for hire. And honestly, if I had made my career as a pacifist actor, I would never have worked, ever.

“But I have always been proud to represent women who fight back and fight back with intelligence, cunning and creativity, and who fight for their lives and their families’ lives.”

The new incarnation of Halloween has scored well with critics thus far; logging an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The consensus reads: “Halloween largely wipes the slate clean after decades of disappointing sequels, ignoring increasingly elaborate mythology in favour of basic – yet still effective – ingredients.”

It finds Laurie forty years after the events of the original film; preparing to face Michael Myers four decades after his killing spree.

Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton and Virginia Gardner also star.

Early tracking suggests it will be a big hit: latest estimates expect a potential $60 million first weekend in the US.

Halloween is out on October 19.