Maureen Lipman, an actress renowned for her BAFTA-nominated performances, particularly in “The Pianist,” has publicly criticized her co-star Gerard McCarthy for withdrawing from their play at the Soho Theatre, attributing his departure to her pro-Israel sentiments.
McCarthy’s Departure Over Political Views
The two were set to perform in Stan Zimmerman’s play “Right Before I Go,” scheduled for September 5. However, McCarthy chose to exit the project, stating that he felt uncomfortable promoting Lipman due to her vocal support for Israel in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. In an Instagram post, he expressed his personal discomfort with what he described as her repeated public statements on the matter.
McCarthy clarified that he did not seek to have her replaced and simply chose not to leverage his platform to endorse an artist whose views differ significantly from his own. His decision was not a reflection on the play but rather a matter of personal principle concerning political beliefs.
Lipman’s Response to Criticism
Lipman responded to McCarthy’s withdrawal in The Times of London, labeling his actions as “cowardly” and criticizing him for not addressing her directly before leaving. She interpreted his Instagram remarks as a form of “virtue-signalling,” and urged him to take a more mature approach. “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with him face-to-face instead of via social media,” she stated.
Moreover, Lipman emphasized that she is not focused on changing anyone’s political views. “I won’t arrive with any labels or intentions to sway him,” she explained. Drawing from her extensive career—spanning 60 years—she pointed out that her co-workers often hold differing political beliefs, yet they maintain a professional relationship without conflict.
Contradiction in McCarthy’s Position
Lipman found McCarthy’s stance perplexing, especially considering that it followed just a few weeks after he had publicly supported her at the opening night of a different theatre production, where she was featured prominently. She questioned what may have influenced his sudden change in attitude and called for open dialogue: “I wish to understand what has changed. Has he been influenced by external factors?”
She portrayed herself simply as an actress advocating for the existence of Israel, not as a politician seeking to influence major international policies. “I am merely an actress of a certain age whose views are seldom heard, yet I firmly believe in Israel’s right to exist,” she asserted.
In conclusion, while McCarthy has yet to comment on Lipman’s remarks, this public dispute underscores how political beliefs can impact professional relationships, particularly in the arts. Lipman, now 80, remains staunch in her viewpoints, having voiced criticism toward artists who advocate for Palestine without addressing the actions of Hamas, further expressing a commitment to fostering dialogue rather than division.