LOS ANGELES – Charlize Theron isn’t leaving the United States over racism concerns. But the white South Africa-born actress, who has adopted a black daughter and son, says: “I am constantly concerned about the safety of my kids. I don’t know a parent who’s not.”

Theron was quoted in an Elle magazine interview published last week saying that she wouldn’t travel to parts of the United States with her family due to worries over racism, and that she had thought about leaving the country to keep her children safe.

South African-born actress Charlize Theron says the media exaggerated her quotes about worrying for her childrens' safety published in Elle magazine. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

The 42-year-old actress and producer said in an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press that her comments were “taken to the extreme” in media reports.

“I was trying to share an honest moment of what my thought process sometimes is. And it was taken to the extreme of a statement that is not how I feel at all,” she said.

“I have two beautiful children who are my priorities. … We are living in a time where we have to start vocalizing and talking honestly about things that are going on. … And we also have a right to vent about that stuff. I’m not leaving the country. But I can share with people that I’ve thought about that. You know? Yeah – and that I am worried about my children’s future. I think we all are as parents.”

Theron spoke while promoting her motherhood-focused movie, “Tully,” which is due in theaters on May 4. Directed by Jason Reitman, the film features Theron as an overwhelmed mother of three who forms a bond with a young nanny, who is played by Mackenzie Davis.

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