Dame Helen Mirren recently found herself confronted by an individual on the streets of London, who directed offensive remarks at her, labeling her an “evil Zionist bitch.” This incident was captured on video and initially shared by the anonymous account Anti-Fascist Action UK.
The video depicts the 80-year-old Oscar-winning actress walking alongside her husband, Taylor Hackford, when she is approached by a stranger. Initially, the star of “The Thursday Murder Club” appeared composed and courteous, smiling as she greeted the man and inquiring about his well-being.
However, the situation quickly took a turn for the worse as the individual began a verbal attack, criticizing Mirren over her perceived support for Israel. The man accused her of being an avowed Zionist and referenced her past comments about Israel’s existence and the Holocaust. He also falsely claimed she expressed satisfaction over the displacement of Palestinians.
The tirade included not only derogatory language directed at Dame Helen but also involved her husband, Mr. Hackford, as the man continued his abusive outburst. The incident highlights the challenges public figures often face as they navigate complex geopolitical issues in the public eye.
He said: ‘And there is Helen Mirren the avowed Zionist. You said Israel should last forever because of the Holocaust. And she was very happy the Palestinians’ houses were gone.
‘You are an evil Zionist bitch. And you [Mr Hackford] as well, f*** you as well.’
As the situation became increasingly hostile, Mr Hackford stepped in and repeatedly told the man to ‘f*** off’ and leave them alone.
Dame Helen Mirren was harassed in the street by a pro-Palestine activist while walking with her husband Taylor Hackford
Dame Helen has long been outspoken in her support for Israel and opposition to cultural boycotts against the country.
Just last month, she signed an open letter alongside stars including Amy Schumer, Mila Kunis, Sharon Osbourne and Boy George backing Israel’s inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The actress has also portrayed several notable Jewish figures on screen, including Maria Altmann in Woman in Gold and former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir in the 2023 film Golda.
Speaking previously about Israel, Mirren said: ‘I believe in Israel, in the existence of Israel, and I believe Israel has to go forward into the future, for the rest of eternity… I believe in Israel because of the Holocaust.’
The comments were made during a 2023 interview with Israel’s Channel 12 while promoting Golda, which focused on Meir’s leadership during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Mirren also revealed that some people had attempted to persuade her not to take the role because of Israel’s controversial position on the world stage.
At first, Dame Helen appeared calm and polite, smiling as she greeted the man and asked if he was okay
Join the discussion
Was this protest or plain harassment?
However, she defended her decision, saying: ‘I’ve met such extraordinary people in Israel.’
She added: ‘I know there is a base, a foundation of deep intelligence, thoughtfulness, commitment, poetry even in Israel that is very, very special.’
The British actress first visited Israel in 1967, shortly after the Six-Day War, volunteering on Kibbutz HaOn near the Sea of Galilee and hitchhiking around the country.
She has also spoken out strongly against cultural boycotts of Israel, arguing that abandoning Israeli artists would be counterproductive.
Despite her support for Israel’s right to exist, Dame Helen has also indicated she does not support every action of the Israeli government and has voiced concern over the country’s political direction.
Her representatives have been approached for comment.
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of a video circulating online, showing a man and a woman being subjected to antisemitic verbal abuse in Tower Hill.
‘It is believed that the incident took place at the end of last year.
‘Officers are currently reviewing the footage and making attempts to contact the victims to establish whether they would like to report the incident.’
