Mendes 'proud' of celebs in rehab

Actress Eva Mendes poses as she arrives at the taping of the American Film Institute's 36th Life Achievement Award gala honoring Warren Beatty at the Kodak theatre in Hollywood, California June 12, 2008.[Agencies]

Eva Mendes says she is 'proud' of celebrities who admit they have problems and head into rehab.

Eva Mendes is "proud" of celebrities who seek help for their addictions to drugs or alcohol.

The 34-year-old actress - who spent time in Utah's Cirque Lodge rehab facility earlier this year - insists people should be praised for their willingness to overcome their problems.

She said: "I'm proud of people who have the determination and the fearlessness to actually go and face their demons and get better."

Eva also refused to confirm the reasons behind her spell in the clinic - which was rumoured to be substance abuse, claims vehemently denied by the Ghost Rider star.

She said: "There are so many lies out there regarding my recent trip to Cirque Lodge. But I don't care what people think. I just don't care - I think now we just know way too much about our celebrities. It's not that interesting when you know that much about people.

"I have no ego about me. It's just better for you not to know, because it really does make me a better actor at the end of the day. You're not going into the movie with all these specifics about me."

During the piece for Interview magazine, Eva expressed her disgust at the interviewer David Colman's joke at the expense of people who rely on support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

When he said, "They're going to have to change the name of it to 'Alcoholics Unanimous'!" Eva paused and finally replied, "I'm not making jokes, because people die from this stuff. I'm not angry.

"I've lost friends, too - even recently. So I can be a little sensitive on the subject."