Outspoken Oscar-winner Sean Penn has accused UK authorities of "ridiculous colonialism" and backed Argentina in the Falklands dispute.
The Hollywood actor blasted the British government as he met with Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner to discuss rising tensions over the South Atlantic islands.
Using the Falkland Islands' Spanish name, he claimed Britain should negotiate a deal and end its "demonstrations of colonialism".
He said: "I know I came at a very sensitive moment in terms of diplomacy between Argentina and the UK over the Malvinas.
"I hope that diplomats can establish true dialogue in order to solve the conflict.
"The world today cannot tolerate ridiculous demonstrations of colonialism. The way of dialogue is the only way to achieve a better solution for both nations."
Prime Minister David Cameron is backing a plan to allow the islanders to decide who they want to be ruled by.
He recently said: "As long as they want to remain part of the United Kingdom and be British, they should be able to do so."