"Gossip Girl" actress Taylor Momsen has come under fire from anti-smoking campaigners - after the 16-year-old was snapped puffing on a cigarette while walking through New York.

The young star took time out during filming of the hit teen TV show this week for a cigarette break, but the star's unhealthy habit has sent smoke signals to health advocates.

Patrick Reynolds, the director of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free America, insists Momsen's actions could encourage her impressionable fans to light up.

He tells UsMagazine.com, "She really has an extra responsibility to bear as an actress idolized by little girls out there. For her to be smoking sends the wrong message to kids. Evidence shows that stars do influence kids to smoke."

However, Momsen might not be too worried about the effect her smoking has on her devotees - the actress recently admitted she has no interest in being a role model for other people's children.

She said, "To be honest, I don't f--king care. I didn't get into this to be a role model. So I'm sorry if I'm influencing your kids in a way that you don't like, but I can't be responsible for their actions. I don't care."