Pamela Anderson publicly rebuked suggestions that her recent romantic display with co-star Liam Neeson was a publicity stunt, saying at the Deauville American Film Festival that she would "never feed into PR stunts." Anderson made the remarks Friday as she accepted the festival's Deauville Talent Award and delivered an acceptance speech that addressed the speculation directly, according to People.
"I do not and will never feed into PR stunts," she said. "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 that falling in love on screen is part of her craft and that there were "no silly games being played," asking audiences to "think positive" and expressing appreciation for well wishes.
The comments come after a report by TMZ last month that said Anderson and Neeson, who co-star in the film The Naked Gun, staged their chemistry as a coordinated promotional effort involving their PR teams and Paramount Pictures. TMZ reported that the two had not seen each other between the end of filming in July 2024 and the start of the press tour, that they never went on one-on-one dates, and that dinners together were attended by personal assistants rather than being private.
Those accounts were disputed by sources speaking with People, who said the connection between Anderson and Neeson is "genuine." One insider told People that "everything between them has been genuine" and that "neither would ever take part in a publicity stunt," while another described their relationship as having a real connection and said there was no motive to stage it.
Anderson, 58, and Neeson, 72, drew attention during a press tour that began in July, with media coverage highlighting flirtatious exchanges and public displays of affection at promotional events. The actors' chemistry on promotional rounds and at red-carpet appearances prompted speculation about whether the warmth was personal or engineered to boost interest in the film.
In her Deauville remarks, Anderson said she was on her career journey to "see what I'm made of in truth, hard work and to leave behind an honest legacy my family can be proud of." She added, "Do not mistake my kindness for weakness or my boldness for bitterness. I'm here on this journey, not for money or for fame." The actor declined to offer details about her private life, reiterating discomfort with sharing romantic matters publicly.
The dispute over whether the relationship was genuine reflects broader scrutiny of celebrity publicity strategies, a recurring theme in coverage of high-profile film campaigns. Anderson's public denial and the People-sourced defenses provide the most recent pushback against claims first reported by TMZ. Fox News Digital reported on Anderson's comments and noted People’s reporting that insiders characterized the allegations as "ridiculous."