The actor Elijah Wood clarified his remarks on Monday after suggesting in an interview with a London newspaper that sexual abuse of child stars was more widespread in Hollywood than had been reported.

After the interview with The Sunday Times drew international headlines and questions, Mr. Wood put out a statement emphasizing that his comments weren’t based on personal experience.

“Let me be clear: This subject of child abuse is an important one that should be discussed and properly investigated,” Mr. Wood said. “But as I made absolutely clear to the writer, I have no firsthand experience or observation of the topic, so I cannot speak with any authority beyond articles I have read and films I have seen.”

Nevertheless, his words brought renewed attention to the general plight of child actors, who do not always make the jump to adult stardom, as Mr. Wood did. He began his acting career at 8 and had a small part in “Back to the Future II.” He also appeared in films like “Flipper,” “The Good Son” and “The Ice Storm,” before his starring role as the hobbit Frodo in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.