Thandie Newton admits to affair with Australian director

Los Angeles: Hollywood actress Thandie Newton has opened up about a six-year affair she had with Australian director John Duigan.

The 39-year-old actress has revealed she began seeing the filmmaker after auditioning for Duigan`s 1991 movie `Flirting`, which also starred Nicole Kidman, reported InStyle magazine. "I was 16-years old at that time. I was a very shy, very sweet girl. I wasn`t in control of the situation," Newton said. The `Mission Impossible II` star said the experience made her a more compassionate person. "I don`t see myself as a victim... Part of me feels grateful I can accept the difficulties that came with that situation and be a more compassionate person myself," Newton said. Duigan, who is 23 years senior to Newton, is best known for directing `The Parole Officer`, `Lawn Dogs`, `Romero` and `Sirens`. The actress starred in his 1996 movie `The Leading Man` opposite Jon Bon Jovi. PTI