Hawke praises Madonna for gypsy comments

Ethan Hawke has praised Madonna for her anti-discrimination speech at a Romanian concert.

Madonna was booed when she criticised the prejudice faced by gypsies at the gig in August.

However, Hawke claimed that Madonna's speech had made a difference.

The Mirror quotes him as saying: "She transcended being a popstar. She drew international attention and shone the spotlight on a level of racism and the need for greater education. I don't have an agenda, Madonna doesn't have an agenda. We aren't politicians."

Hawke is currently visiting Romania to promote his mother's charity, which supports education for gypsy children.

"I feel I can do something," he explained. "Instead of being part of the problem."

Madonna recently announced that she will auction some of her Christian Dior shoes to raise money for Leslie Hawke's charity.