Martin Freeman admits smacking his kids, calling them 'little f***ers' when they were younger: 'I'm not proud'
Actor Martin Freeman, 48, admitted he smacked his son, 14, and daughter, 11 and called them 'little f***ers' when they were younger.
The 'Hobbit' actor revealed he has smacked his two children Joe and Grace twice and had sworn at them more than twice. The father of two also shared that it was a rule at home with his former partner, Amanda Abbington, not to do either one of these things to the children "but you know, I've done both".
While doing an interview with The Sunday Times, he said, "I know, I'm not supposed to do it, but there are so many images about how (parenting) all just has to be brilliant that it makes people feel bad. Because it's not brilliant. I mean, it is - it's the best thing I'll do. But that doesn't mean it's not really hard. This idea you only ever rationalize with a toddler? Genuinely, good luck. If you could do that, God go with you. Amazing."
"I'm not proud I did that, but I have. I don't think it's a policy. And I'll do it again!" he added. It is illegal to smack or hit children under The Children Act 2004 unless it amounts to 'reasonable punishment'. The NSPCC had called for a complete ban on smacking and had said that it only gives children a bad example on how to handle strong emotions.
It could also encourage bullying and could cause them to lie or hide feelings in order to avoid punishment. Scotland had become the first country in the UK to ban smacking in 2019.
Seventy-nine-year-old Dame Esther Rantzen who had founded the ChildLine charity said, "I’d say to Martin, ‘I’m sorry to hear that because I know you care about children, but I don’t think this is your finest hour’."
The couple had met back in 2000 and had clicked instantly. They were together for around 16 years.