Franco uni speech opposed by students

Students at the University of California, Los Angeles, have lodged a protest against Spider-Man star James Franco being invited to speak at their graduation ceremony.

Over 200 people have joined a Facebook group complaining that Franco should not have been chosen because he only graduated from the college himself last year.

Speaking to Access Hollywood, student Sana Soni said: "I would love to have an actor if he was someone who had an Academy Award or was more critically acclaimed.

"Even Tyra Banks, she would be more appropriate because she has conquered so many different sides of the industry. Or Oprah. Someone who has something important to say to students."

However, a representative for the university insisted that they are "very happy" with Franco's involvement, adding that he had been selected by the students on the graduation committee.

The 30-year-old actor, who holds an undergraduate degree in English, is currently studying for an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where hordes of female students have reportedly been clamouring for a glimpse of him.