Katherine Heigl Clarifies 'Knocked Up' Remarks

Having called the film "a little bit sexist," the actress adds that it was a joy to make

Photo: MICHAEL GERMANA/GLOBE

After knocking the movie Knocked Up, in which she starred, as being “a little bit sexist” in a recent interview, Katherine Heigl has clarified to PEOPLE that it was the “best filming experience of my career.”

“It’s important to me to take a minute and clarify the quote about Knocked Up in Vanity Fair,” Heigl, 29, says in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE. “I was responding to previous reviews about the movie the interviewer brought to my attention. My motive was to encourage other women like myself to not take that element of the movie too seriously and to remember that it’s a broad comedy.

“Although I stand behind my opinion, I’m disheartened that it has become the focus of my experience with the movie. The truth is, it was the best filming experience of my career. Every person that was a part of making Knocked Up helped to encourage, support and inspire me. I never intended for anyone to think otherwise.”

In her earlier remarks, the Grey’s Anatomy star said the film “paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys. It was hard for me to love the movie.”