Police Scotland is currently evaluating a controversial image deemed ‘anti-Semitic’ that surfaced in a campaign against Dame Maureen Lipman’s involvement in a theatrical production.
Pro-Palestinian activists shared a digitally altered photo of Dame Maureen on Facebook, depicting her with red devil horns and a trident, sparking significant backlash.
The campaign, led by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), is urging support for a petition to prevent the 79-year-old actress, often referred to as a ‘national treasure,’ from taking the stage.
Dame Maureen is scheduled to perform at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen from May 26-30. She will star in “Allegra,” a ‘heart-warming comedy with music’ penned by Peter Quilter.
This incident comes amid reports that police are reconsidering their approach to chants at pro-Palestinian rallies, which some Jewish groups argue are anti-Semitic in nature.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed to the Daily Mail that they have received a report concerning the post about Dame Maureen and are currently assessing the situation.
‘Officers are also liaising with partners and continue to proactively engage with the Jewish community.’
The SPSC has launched an online petition headed ‘Stop Maureen Lipman Performing at HMT Aberdeen’, while the SPSC in Aberdeen posted the image of Dame Maureen with devil’s horns.
There have been calls for Maureen Lipman to be dropped from her forthcoming play
Maureen Lipman is due to appear at His Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) in Aberdeen from May 26-30
In medieval Christian folklore and artwork, Jews were depicted with grotesque characteristics such as devil’s horns and other Satanic features.
The post was reported to police by Timothy Lovat, chairman of the Jewish Council of Scotland.
He said the post was ‘absolutely anti-Semitic and disgusting – this is the kind of thing which is leading to anti-Semitic attacks on our streets’.
The SPSC said: ‘Over the past decade Lipman has openly voiced extremist, Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab views.
‘Write to Aberdeen Performing Arts [the taxpayer-funded charity which runs HMT] and make it clear: racists are not welcome here.’
People signing up online can send a pro forma letter to the arts charity which claims ‘Lipman’s positions are clear – she is an open supporter of the settler-colonial, apartheid state of Israel, which continues to commit genocide in Gaza, and is ethnically cleansing the West Bank’.
Dame Maureen told LBC last week that she believes anti-Semitism in the UK has reached levels akin to the pogroms in Nazi Germany in 1933, following the stabbings of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London.
The former Coronation Street star, who was approached for comment, also called for a ban on pro-Palestine marches in central London.
Meanwhile, Police Scotland is reviewing its stance on refusing to arrest pro-Palestine protesters for shouting ‘globalise the intifada’ amid concern over growing anti-Semitism.
South of the Border, forces including the Metropolitan Police in London have said they will ‘act decisively and make arrests’ if someone is found chanting the phrase.
But Police Scotland has come under pressure to follow suit after an increase of around 50 per cent in protests in the last 12 months – with two out of five staged by pro-Palestine activists.
Pro-Palestine activists posted a photograph on Facebook of Dame Maureen with red devil’s horns and a trident
Now it has emerged top brass have called in lawyers as Jewish campaigners step up their demands for a tougher approach after the Golders Green incident.
The intifada was the name given to a Palestinian uprising in the late 1980s and early 1990s, aimed at ending Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
That uprising and a second intifada which began in 2000 resulted in the death of more than 5,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.
On Thursday, Mr Lovat said: ‘In Britain, this is focused towards the Jewish communities under the guise of being towards Zionists.
‘The most prominent expressions of intifada have been through violence, so this phrase is often understood by those saying and hearing it as encouraging violence against Israelis, Jews, and institutions supporting Israel.
‘While the intent of the person saying this phrase may be different, the impact on the Jewish community remains the same.’
The Mail understands Police Scotland has sought legal guidance on the issue.
Former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher said: ‘It is very difficult for the police to investigate chants and individual images.
‘The main problem here is that post October 7, 2023 we allowed a plethora of demonstrations that essentially demonised the Jewish community.’
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, of the operational support division at Police Scotland, said: ‘Campaigning and demonstration are a legitimate, necessary, and vital part of life.
‘Violence, disorder, hate crime and threatening behaviour are not legitimate protest.
‘Every situation is unique and is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
‘This includes chants and what may constitute a criminal offence based on the circumstances of individual incidents and any direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.’
