Russell Crowe romance shook up Meg Ryan's world

Washington, Aug 7 : Hollywood actress Meg Ryan has said that she was so hurt over the backlash she faced from America after her fling with Russell Crowe became public that she took a break from Hollywood.

The actress was considered 'America's Sweetheart' until her fling with Crowe broke her marriage to actor Denis Quaid and turned her into public enemy number one.

"It's a very big surprise in life when you learn that not everyone is rooting for you. It's a very scary thing when you figure that out," Contactmusic quoted the actress, as telling Parade magazine.

"I never imagined that worrying about what other people think of me would be a big part of my day. But, when you get that much negativity thrown at you, you go, 'Whew, I've got to cope with that," she added.

The actress also revealed that whatever she heard in the press did not resemble the truth.

"I took time off, I wanted to get simple and quiet, I wanted to laugh, I wanted to travel," she said.

ANI