Dame Maureen Lipman Offers Olive Branch to Actor Who Quit Show Over Pro-Israel Views

Dame Maureen Lipman has revealed that she extended an olive branch to actor Gerard McCarthy after he withdrew from a West End production in protest over her pro-Israel views. Lipman, 80, stated she is "not vengeful" toward the former Hollyoaks star, 45, despite his decision to leave the play "Right Before I Go" after her casting.

However, Lipman indicated that her attempt to resolve the dispute has not settled their differences. She noted that McCarthy is still "fighting his corner" and that she now intends to disengage from the matter.

"I extended an olive branch. I’m not vengeful about what he did. I hope it’s not the thin edge of the wedge, that’s all I can say," Lipman told the Daily Mail. "He’s fighting his corner and I’m just going to stay out of it now."

When asked if she believed antisemitism was an increasing problem in the arts, Lipman responded, "[It's] not just a problem in the arts. It’s in the medical profession, it’s in journalism, it’s in publishing. It remains to be seen whether anyone is going to protect us, to look after us, or whether we’re going to have to do it ourselves."

McCarthy was one of two performers to leave "Right Before I Go" following Lipman's casting. Transgender actor Iz Hesketh, 28, also withdrew, stating that Lipman's comments did not align with their "personal values and beliefs."

Following his departure announcement on social media, McCarthy initially liked several comments that contained abusive language directed at Lipman. One comment referred to her as a "zio hag," while others used terms such as "odious ghoul," "vile bigot," and "horrid f****** witch." Jewish organizations recognize "Zio," an abbreviation of Zionist, as an antisemitic slur.

After being contacted by the Daily Mail, McCarthy removed the likes and issued a statement. "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 said. "My likes were intended as acknowledgements of support for my decision to withdraw, rather than endorsements of every word used in those comments. Having had the specific language brought to my attention, I have removed those likes."

McCarthy added, "My position remains the one set out in my original statement: my decision concerned views publicly expressed by one individual regarding Israel and Palestine. It was not about her Jewish identity, and I am against antisemitism."

Lipman, who is Jewish, had previously accused McCarthy of cowardice for announcing his withdrawal without speaking to her directly. She had challenged him to "have the courage to face me" and explain his position.

Lipman made these remarks at the press night of Don Black's sold-out show "From the Heart" at the Garrick Theatre in London. The musical revue celebrates the career of the Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black and features a cast including Shona McGarty, Clive Rowe, Caroline O’Connor, Frances Mayli McCann, and Michael D. Xavier. Michael Ball made a surprise appearance to perform "Love Changes Everything."