Bale: 'I Was Bullied Because Of Fame'

Actor CHRISTIAN BALE was a frequent target for school bullies - because of his Hollywood success as a kid.

After a string of commercials, Bale starred in the 1987 movie Empire of the Sun when he was just 13, and became an overnight sensation.

But, instead of attracting a legion of friends because of his fame, he inadvertently turned his classmates against him.

He says, "It was not a great time. I was a victim of bullying and had other kids kicking and punching me every day.

"It was an early lesson in how making a film can set you apart. If you don't want to live with the consequences then don't make the film.

"But that didn't help at the time. I was confused about other people's reactions to me, both good and bad. It can mess anyone up."