Coronation Street star Maureen Lipman blasts "lily livered" actor
Actress Maureen Lipman has criticized fellow actor Gerard McCarthy for withdrawing from a play due to her political views on Israel and Palestine. Lipman defended her right to hold personal opinions and accused McCarthy of being 'lily livered' for refusing to work with her.
Why it matters
The incident illustrates the ongoing tension in the arts community regarding political activism and the professional consequences of public stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Coronation Street's Dame Maureen Lipman has responded after actor Gerard McCarthy pulled out of a London play over her involvement. McCarthy withdrew from next week's performances of Right Before I Go at the Soho Theatre on the grounds that they did not "feel comfortable personally promoting [Lipman's] involvement".The star, whose screen credits include Call The Midwife, The Fall and the Kenneth Branagh film Belfast, explained on Instagram that their decision was due to "views [Lipman] has publicly repeatedly expressed regarding Israel and Palestine", adding that they "did not ask for her casting to be reconsidered or expect anybody else to share my position"."I simply chose not to use my own platform to promote someone whose political views are at odds with my own," McCarthy added.
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