leighton dow not pay attention to gossip

(CBS) Leighton Meester is the star of a TV drama about gossip, but in real life she says she doesn't pay much attention to what other people have to say about her.

"I don't (deal with gossip)," Meester tells Teen magazine. "This comes from maturing and growing up, but I've learned to let things roll off my back. If people say negative things, I could care less. But I let it give me a boost of confidence if they're saying nice things. If the press says anything, I see it as a plus because at least people are paying attention and watching the show."

The star of the new hit series "Gossip Girl," appears on the cover of the spring 2008 issue of Teen and is featured in a five page 1980s inspired fashion spread.

Meester discusses her character, life on set and off, and puts in her two cents on her suspicions of the identity of "Gossip Girl." The hit series is narrated by an unseen character, voiced by Kristen Bell, who uses an online blog to gossip about a group of friends at a New York City private school and create drama in their idyllic Upper East Side lives.