Malala praised for 'perfect' response to question about Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine

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By Asiya Ali

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Social media users have applauded Malala Yousafzai for her "perfect" response after Jimmy Kimmel asked for her take on the Don't Worry Darling drama.

Before she even turned 18, the Pakistani-born activist had become one of the leading advocates for the right to education for women in her home country.

In 2012, she was shot in the head at the age of 15 for her opposition to the Taliban's restrictions on female and children's schooling when she lived in Pakistan.

And two years after her near-death experience, she became the youngest person to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize and has continued to campaign for the academic freedoms of women and children around the world.

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Malala Yousafzai at the 95th Academy Awards with her husband. Credit: Alamy

At the 95th Academy Awards, the 55-year-old host came under fire for asking the now-25-year-old to weigh in on one of last year’s ridiculous controversies: Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine during the Venice Film Festival premiere of Don’t Worry, Darling?

The Nobel Peace Prize winner sat next to her husband Asser Malik and was left visibly uncomfortable by Kimmel's pressing question from someone named Joanne.

Watch the awkward moment below:

The presenter read out the question from a fan, saying: "She asked, your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration - as the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?"

In response, the activist looked unsure and said: "I only talk about peace," to which a breezy Kimmel retorted: "You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is."

She responded to the moment on her social media page, quoting the clip from ABC, and writing in the caption: "Treat people with kindness."

The tweet amassed 160K likes and 8.1 million views, with many users on the platform heaping praise for her response. One viewer commented: "Beautifully said and beautifully dressed!"

Another user chimed in: "A disrespectful moment met with grace and dignity. Shame on @jimmykimmel & @TheAcademy."

A third person said: "Ok but did @jimmykimmel seriously just ask @Malala about Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine? Her answer was so classy and perfect: 'I’d rather talk about peace.' #Oscar2023."

A fourth shared: "I think this is Epic. A woman so self-assured she does not feel the pressure to perform 'cool girl' status at the oscars, and responds with grace. (Was it scripted? I still think it's a good look, and her gown is awesome)."

Malala attended the award ceremony as an executive producer of Stranger at the Gate - which was nominated in the best documentary short subject category at the 2023 Oscars.

It follows the dramatic story of a former US Marine - played by Richard McKinney- planning a terrorist attack on a mosque in Muncie, Indiana. However, his plan takes a turn after he visits the mosque and is welcomed by the community.

Speaking about the Oscar-nominated short film, Malala said (via The Independent): "This is a story about the power of forgiveness, redemption, kindness, and compassion. I believe in those values.

"What really stands out to me in this movie is Mac's willingness to accept that love, accept that compassion. He took his time, but he did not close the door to the love that he saw there," she added.

Featured image credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy