Evan Rachel Wood came out as bisexual to help young people struggling with their own sexuality.

The 24-year-old actress publically admitted she was attracted to women and men earlier this year and she insists she made the decision because she felt it was her duty as a famous person.

Wood - who told her family she was bisexual a couple of years ago - told The Guardian newspaper: "It's a big part of who I am and growing up when I was feeling unsure about myself and my feelings, I would hear about actresses I looked up to being very open about it. So if I can return the favour and somebody who is freaking out and confused about themselves can hear, 'You're not the only one and this is totally normal and fine and there's nothing to be ashamed about,' then right on."

The 'Ides of March' star was previously engaged to shock rocker Marilyn Manson and the pair caused outrage when they simulated sex in his 'Heart Shaped Glasses' video while blood poured down on them.

Wood - who began the relationship when she was just 19 - received a lot of criticism for her romance with Manson because it started in the wake of his separation from his wife Dita Von Teese, but she has no regrets.

The screen beauty - who split from the musician in 2010 - explained: "I hopped on a tour bus, got engaged, went nuts. But no regrets, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. It was like life bootcamp ... If you don't know me or the situation, then you can't really have an opinion about it. The real story has never been told and I've never felt the need to come out and defend myself, because I know what happened and I know I'm not that. I don't need people's approval of my personal life."