Hollywood's rising star Kiera Knightley is so scared of media attention that she has considered quitting acting altogether.

The "Pirates Of The Caribbean" actress has stopped reading newspapers and magazines to avoid the unpleasant rumours written about her, said imdb.com.

The British actress, who starred opposite Clive Owen in "Arthur", was quoted as saying: "I don't read any magazines or newspapers any more, because I find it really scary. I get really scared when I'm followed by photographers."

Knightley is compelled to continue acting since she is otherwise unqualified. She said: "I dropped out of school when I was 16 so there's nothing else that I can do."