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Damian Lewis denounced as 'too privileged' for school ceremony Actor 'too privileged' for school event
(about 11 hours later)
Actor Damian Lewis has responded to critics who said he was too privileged to take part in his local comprehensive school's 50th anniversary celebrations. Damian Lewis has hit back at critics who claimed he was too privileged to take part in his local comprehensive school's 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Eton-educated actor told the event people who had complained were "missing the point" as the evening was "a celebration of our community... and the role the school has played here".
Alumni from Acland Burghley School in north London had signed a petition against the Homeland star's appearance.Alumni from Acland Burghley School in north London had signed a petition against the Homeland star's appearance.
Comments made by Eton-educated Lewis at the event, where he switched on a laser display, were reported on Twitter. The actor lives near the Camden school.
Mary Carson, who was at the celebrations, tweeted that the actor said his critics had missed the point.
She wrote: "@lewis_damian says critics of his launching @Acland_Burghley celebrations 'missing the point....This is about community' #lightupburghley"
More on this story and other news from LondonMore on this story and other news from London
The actor lives near the comprehensive school in Camden. The petition said: "Damian Lewis was educated at Eton, a school that, more than any other, represents the reproduction of privilege and inequality in the UK."
The petition, which urged the school to change its plans, set up by City University sociology lecturer Rachel Cohen - a former Acland Burghley pupil - attracted 90 signatures. Lewis told the audience of about 450 "there is more creativity, independence and support in this neighbourhood than any other... I have lived in."
She wrote: "Damian Lewis was educated at Eton, a school that, more than any other, represents the reproduction of privilege and inequality in the UK. He praised the school for teaching such "qualities", calling it "a beacon of curiosity, independence, creativity and diversity".
"We have nothing against him as an actor or local resident, but he is a wholly inappropriate choice for this celebration of a wonderful local comprehensive school." The woman who began the petition, which garnered 100 signatures, said she had not meant it as a personal attack against Lewis.
She had called on the head and governors to consider inviting a graduate of the school instead, such as singer Ms Dynamite or Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson. "It's really just about how do you celebrate the anniversary of a really good comprehensive school that has always taken a very radical and socially progressive attitude towards education," Rachel Cohen said.
On the petition the City University sociology lecturer had written that the Wolf Hall actor was "a wholly inappropriate choice" for a celebration at a comprehensive school.
Many of those who were there cheered his appearance, calling Lewis an "inspiration".
Headteacher Nicholas John said it was "great" he was an actor who wanted to be "involved in the community".
The event featured a laser show which Lewis began the countdown for.
Other alumnus from the school include singer Ms Dynamite and Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson.
Damian Lewis profileDamian Lewis profile
Acland Burghley head teacher Nicholas John said Lewis's education at the famous Berkshire public school was of "no consequence".
Mr John told the Camden New Journal: "Damian Lewis very kindly agreed to open the light show for us, to give up an evening of his time."
He said the school had a large number of prestigious alumni - but the school's community also extended to people living in its neighbourhood.