Maggie Gyllenhaal

An online poll regarding Sept. 11 shows a large percentage of people agree with actress Maggie Gyllenhaal that the U.S. was "responsible in some way" for the terrorist attacks.

With more than 12,000 responses, the unscientific survey conducted by Newsday.com reveals 42 percent of respondents agree with Gyllenhaal.

Twenty-two percent disagree, and think she should apologize for her remarks. Just under 20 percent believe the incident has been blown out of proportion, and over 12 percent disagree but think Gyllenhaal has a right to voice her opinion.

Controversy was ignited after the actress, who appears in the movie "The Great New Wonderful," featuring five stories about people living in the aftermath of the Twin Towers attack, suggested the U.S. bore some responsibility for 9-11.

Last Friday, Gyllenhaal told NY1, an all-news cable channel:

"I think what's good about the movie is that it deals with 9-11 in such a subtle, open way that I think it allows it to be more complicated than just, 'Oh, look at these poor New Yorkers and how hard it was for them.'"

"Because I think America has done reprehensible things and is responsible in some way, and so I think the delicacy with which it's dealt allows that to sort of creep in," she said.

In a follow-up statement, the actress refused to back down: "[Sept. 11] was a terrible tragedy and of course it goes without saying that I grieve along with every American for everyone who suffered and everyone who died in the catastrophe. But for those of us who were spared, it was also an occasion to be brave enough to ask some serious questions about America's role in the world. Because it is always useful, as individuals or nations to ask how we may have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this conflict. Not to have the courage to ask these questions of ourselves is to betray the victims of 9-11."

"Thousands of lives were lost – innocent victims," New York City Councilman Tony Avella of Queens told Newsday. "The fact that she could be so callous is horrendous. Shame on her. She really owes every New Yorker an apology."

Gyllenhaal's recent film appearances have included "Secretary," "Mona Lisa Smile" and "Donnie Darko."

Online messageboards are seeing plenty of vibrant reaction to Gyllenhaal's remarks.