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.
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.
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"
The actor lives near the comprehensive school in Camden. 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.
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.
"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."
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.
Damian Lewis profile
- Born on 11 February 1971 in St John's Wood, north-west London
- Educated at the independent Ashdown House School, East Sussex, and Eton College, Berkshire
- Graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama
- Played Sgt Nicholas Brody in US TV series Homeland, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe
- Played Richard Winters in Band of Brothers, and Henry VIII in the BBC's adaptation of Wolf Hall
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.
