Mike Huckabee became Hollywood news on Thursday night, when the former Arkansas governor and former Presidential hopeful aimed his fire at Oscar winner and mom-to-be Natalie Portman.
During a radio interview, Huckabee, 55, complained that the actress, 29, was setting a bad example by having her first child out of wedlock. (She is engaged to the baby's dad, dancer and Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied.)
"I think it gives a distorted image," he said. "It's unfortunate that we glorify and glamorize the idea of out-of- wedlock children."
Unlike movie star Portman, he argued, "Most single moms are very poor, uneducated, can't get a job, and if it weren't for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death and never have health care."
In the wake of the unexpected debate, Huckabee spoke to UsMagazine.com exclusively about the fracas.
"These people should read my book and they would know what I said instead of what some left-wing partisans are attempting to put forth," the politician tells Us. " I do appreciate the attention to the book as it is sparking interest in it dramatically."
UPDATE: On Friday afternoon, Huckabee commented further on his blog: "Natalie is an extraordinary actor, very deserving of her recent Oscar and I am glad she will marry her baby's father. However, contrary to what the Hollywood media reported, I did not 'slam' or 'attack' Natalie Portman, nor did I criticize the hardworking single mothers in our country."
