Video: Ian McKellen shows support for new anti-bullying film

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Actor Sir Ian McKellen has lent his voice to Stonewall’s new campaign video against homophobic bullying.

It has been released ahead of Anti-Bullying Week, which is taking place between 19-23 November.

In the video, which Sir Ian narrates, he mentions statistics from the charity’s 2012 School Report, which showed over half of gay young people have suffered homophobic bullying and that nearly a quarter have attempted to take their own lives.

Commenting about the film, Sir Ian said: “Nothing in life is more important to me than helping gay young people realise that there are better days ahead of them.

“I’m proud that Stonewall – which I helped create to tackle legalised homophobia – is now leading the fight in those British schools where homophobic bullying ruins far too many young people’s lives. It’s a privilege to play a small part in bringing it to an end.”

Earlier this month, Sir Ian criticised New Zealand Prime Minister John Key after he mocked a radio host for wearing a “gay” jumper.

Sir Ian, who has spent long periods in New Zealand where The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings movies have been filmed, said Mr Key’s remarks were “careless”.