Former BBC actor Gerard McCarthy has apologized after appearing to endorse anti-Semitic comments directed at veteran actress Dame Maureen Lipman. McCarthy, known for his roles in "The Fall" and "Call The Midwife," had withdrawn from the London theatre production "Right Before I Go" due to Lipman's publicly stated views on Israel and Palestine.
McCarthy, 45, subsequently "liked" a series of negative comments on Instagram following his announcement. Among these were remarks that included the slur "Zio hag" and described Lipman as an "odious ghoul" and a "horrid f****** witch." The term "Zio," an abbreviation of Zionist, is recognized by Jewish organizations as an anti-Semitic slur.
In a statement, McCarthy expressed regret for his actions, stating, "I do not endorse antisemitic language or personal abuse directed at Dame Maureen Lipman, and regret having inadvertently appeared to do so by liking a number of comments among the hundreds posted beneath my statement." He added that his likes were intended as acknowledgments of support for his decision to withdraw, not endorsements of the specific language used. He has since removed the likes.
McCarthy reiterated that his decision to withdraw was based on Lipman's publicly expressed views on Israel and Palestine and was not related to her Jewish identity. "I am against antisemitism," he stated.
McCarthy had initially announced his withdrawal on Instagram, explaining that he was uncomfortable promoting Lipman's involvement due to her political views. He clarified that he did not ask for her casting to be reconsidered or expect others to share his stance, but rather chose not to use his own platform to promote someone whose views he found at odds with his own.
His decision was met with support from some fellow performers, including RuPaul's Drag Race star Divina de Campo and comedian Luisa Omielan. Actor and writer Robin Ince commented, "Very impressed by the position you have taken - you will embolden others - solidarity." Actress Denise Gough offered "much much love."
Trans actress Iz Hesketh became the second performer to withdraw from the production, also citing Lipman's casting and public comments as reasons that no longer aligned with her personal values.
Dame Maureen, a prominent Jewish performer, has faced protests and calls for her appearances to be canceled due to her public defense of Israel. In May, pro-Palestinian campaigners targeted performances of her comedy "Allegra" in Aberdeen, with one group circulating an image that Police Scotland recorded as a non-crime hate incident.
Lipman has previously criticized protests against Israel by left-wing actors as "very, very close to fascism" and labeled performers who signed open letters condemning Israeli military action as "bigoted signaturists" and "bleeding heartless liberals."
According to reports, Lipman stated that McCarthy made no attempt to contact her before withdrawing and challenged him to confront her directly. "I am asking for him to have the courage to face me and tell me what he thinks it is I should do, or think, or say," she said. She added that while she understood if he did not want to work with her, calling him a "coward" if he refused to meet with her.
"Right Before I Go," written by Stan Zimmerman, utilizes material from suicide notes to explore themes related to military veterans, bullied youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and suicide attempt survivors. The play was previously staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is scheduled to run at London's Soho Theatre from September 5 to 10. The final performance on September 10 coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day and will be followed by a discussion with mental health professionals.