Gael Garcia Bernal all smiles as he takes a stroll in Park City UT

Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal has spoken about the rise in violence in his native country, blaming the recent killings for ruining his childhood memories.

The star expressed his horror and sadness after learning 3,000 people had died in gangland-style killings in Mexico so far this year (08).

Last week (ends19Sep08), eight people were killed in a bomb attack.

And the rising number of deaths is worrying Bernal.

He says, “It’s painful to not be nearby. Instead of feeling relieved to be outside, I feel sad and vulnerable.

“I’m far from where I was born, trying not to wait for the daily death toll.”

He adds, “Why, on seeing so much violence, do I feel as if the aggression was against my memories or my identity? Each death seems to steal freedom from my memory.”

Source

On Valentine’s Day, no less.  Coincidence?  I think not.  The two ended their relationship in 2004 after dating for a year.