(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Taylor Momsen says people have told her she is out of her mind since she was 11.

The 17-year-old is best known for her role in US television show Gossip Girl and is currently carving out a music career as lead singer with rock band The Pretty Reckless.

She has been acting since she was three and admits her unconventional childhood has had a big impact on her. Taylor has developed a reputation for being outspoken and has revealed she has been shocking people for years.

I probably am a bad influence, she said in an interview with Grazia. The other day this reporter brought his 12-year-old daughter to an interview. She was looking at me, open-mouthed, like, I want stripper shoes, daddy! He hated me! But Im not saying, Be like me. I hope girls read what I say in interviews they should just be themselves. They wouldnt want to be like me.

Im crazy. Im f**king out of my mind. Ive been told Im out of my mind since I was 11.

Taylor claims that even though she regularly sparks outrage with her outrageous comments, she is actually rather introverted in real life. Because she has been working for so many years, this has affected her ability to make friends and she prefers to socialise with a small group of people.

Taylor has formed a close bond with her bandmates and says she spends most of her time with them.

Im really shy and guarded Ive led a gypsy life, always working, she explained. Ive never had friends and I dont like to be around big groups of people. But the band are like a family we get along so well its weird. Half of what I say is sarcastic or bulls**t it doesnt always translate. They get what Im talking about. (C) Cover Media