Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley has become the latest celebrity to throw his support behind New York City protesters taking part in a peaceful rally against social inequality.

The young actor was snapped in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday joining hundreds of campaigners in the ongoing Occupy Wall Street march calling for an end to corporate greed.

The protests have garnered much media attention amid reports of clashes with heavy-handed New York Police Department officials, and Badgley admits he's happy to do whatever it takes to bring awareness to the cause.

He tells local news agency Capital NY, "I mean, listen, it's cheesy. But I want to do whatever I can. Let's be honest: I'm on Gossip Girl... It's absurd that celebrity power is what it is, but, like, use any tool you have, you know?"

A number of other stars have also showed up to lend their voice to the cause - documentary-maker Michael Moore and actors Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins have all been spotted at the rallies in recent days.