Despite a busy schedule jam-packed with Hollywood films, big budget ad campaigns and family commitments, Chris Hemsworth has always ensured he makes time to lend a hand to charity organisations.
Among a number of causes he’s involved with, the Australian heartthrob is deeply proud of his role as a patron of the Australian Childhood Foundation.
In an interview with GQ Australia’s November issue, the 34-year-old said he was shocked by former prime minister Tony Abbott’s insensitive remarks about child abuse while working one of the charity’s campaigns.
‘I’m sat there, like, “Is he kidding?”‘: In an interview with GQ Australia’s Novemeber issue, Chris Hemsworth (right) recalled he was shocked by an inappropriate joke from former prime minister Tony Abbott (left)
‘Tony Abbott said to me, “You know, I went to a Catholic school as a kid but no one did anything to me. Maybe I wasn’t good-looking enough.”‘ the Thor actor told the magazine.
The former Home And Away star explained that he was taken aback by the politician’s less than empathetic comments.
‘I’m sat there, like, “Is he kidding? Is he making light of this issue?'” Chris recalled.
Offensive joke: ‘Tony Abbott said to me, “You know, I went to a Catholic school as a kid but no one did anything to me. Maybe I wasn’t good-looking enough.” the Thor actor told the magazine (Pictured in 2014: Australian Childhood Foundation’s CEO Joe Tucci, Chris Hemsworth, Tony Abbott)
Chris, who along with his brother Liam is an ambassador for ACF, met with the then-prime minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in 2014.
The father-of-three was in Canberra to work alongside Julie Bishop on the charity’s Not Another Child campaign, which aimed to fight against child abuse.
The CEO of the charity, Joe Tucci, told news.com.au at the time that the star was invited to parliament by Ms Bishop herself, who he ran into at the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.
Lending a helping hand: Chris is proud ambassador for the Australian Childhood Foundation, which fights against child abuse
‘We want to put a spotlight on the issue’: The father-of-three (pictured with daughter India Rose and sons Tristan and Sasha) told Sunrise in 2014 he was hoping to raise awareness of child abuse with ACF’s Not Another Child campaign
In stark contrast to Tony’s inappropriate joke about the problematic issue, Chris spoke seriously to Sunrise about the worthy campaign.
‘Unfortunately there’s more reports of abuse in Australia than ever before, there’s 750 per day last year, which was roughly one every two minutes,’ Chris said in 2014.
‘So we want to put a spotlight on the issue, and make child protection the number one focus for all Australians and the welfare of children our main priority.’
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Tony Abbott’s representatives for comment but they did not immediately respond.
On sale now: For the full interview with Chris Hemsworth, pick up a copy of GQ Australia