Pamela Anderson has shrugged off controversy after child protection advocates criticized her for allowing a nine-year-old girl to carry the train of her gown at a fashion event.

The former Baywatch actress shocked guests at the Hollywood Style Awards in Los Angeles last weekend when she arrived with young Adelaide Gault, who trailed behind the star and sat on the floor beside her as she watched the fashion show. Representatives of America's Child Labor Coalition slammed the actress for keeping the youngster out late at the event.

However, Anderson has hit back, insisting Gault, the daughter of a make-up artist working at the event, offered to accompany her to the ceremony.

A representative for Anderson tells British magazine OK!, "As Pamela was getting ready, Adelaide asked if she could carry the train. Everyone thought it would be fun and Pam agreed. And Adelaide chose to sit next to Pam rather than in her own seat (at the fashion show.) She had a great time."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)