Singer/actress Taylor Momsen has spoken out to explain controversial comments she made about carrying a knife in her purse, insisting she was unaware it's illegal. The Gossip Girl star sparked outrage from anti-knife campaigners earlier this year (10) when she revealed she collects the deadly weapons and takes her favorite everywhere with her at all times.

But now Momsen has opened up about the remarks, insisting she only carries a blade in case she needs it for useful activities - and never uses it as a weapon. She tells Heat magazine, "I have, like, tons of knives from gas stations - I've got loads. When I said that, I didn't realize they were illegal. Loads of girls carry them - they're useful. Like, to cut cords, and labels off clothes and stuff. I didn't think it was a big thing." (KD/BRN/ZN)

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