Children's Rights Organization First Star Speaks out in Defense of Dakota Fanning.

WASHINGTON -- The founder of one of America's leading children's rights organizations responded today to accusations that the director of "Hounddog" violated pornography laws.

"Those in the film industry have an opportunity to effect positive change by focusing on social issues from behind the camera," said Peter Samuelson, founder and President of First Star.

"Dakota Fanning is an educated, articulate, and well-nurtured child actress who has bravely taken on a very difficult role. She should be applauded for using her talent to frame as horrific an issue as child sexual abuse for the general public through this film," Samuelson said.

The Catholic League has called for an investigation of the film and its director, Deborah Kampmeier. The film is set in the 1960s and Dakota Fanning plays a Southern girl named Lewellen who is a passionate fan of Elvis Presley, hence the title "Hounddog". The scene which is the topic of the controversy depicts the rape of 12-year-old Lewellen; it is brief, restrained and contains no nudity. Only the face and hand of the actress are shown.

"More than 5,500,000 children are involved in reports of abuse and neglect each year in America, many of them the victims of sexual abuse. These are the children the critics should be paying attention to," said Samuelson. "Not the people who are trying to raise public awareness through this important film."

"I applaud Deborah Kampmeier for making the film and Dakota Fanning for playing this brave role, and First Star encourages other filmmakers to use their talents in a similar socially responsible way," said Samuelson.

First Star (www.firststar.org) is a national 501(c) (3) public charity dedicated to improving the lives of America's abused and neglected children. First Star's mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system through communication, education and legislation.