Night Manager actor Hugh Laurie has been dragged into a bitter row over Zionism after he paid a heartfelt tribute to Israeli television producer Dana Eden, who was found dead in a hotel room in Athens last weekend.
Mr Laurie posted condolences on X to the late Ms Eden, the co-creator and producer of the hit Apple TV+ spy thriller series Tehran, in which he starred as Eric Peterson, a South African nuclear inspector.
In his tribute, the star called death ‘a terrible thing’ and described Eden as ‘brilliant, funny, and an exceptional leader.’
However, what began as a memorial post for Ms Eden quickly spiralled into a polarised debate over Zionism.
Mr Laurie, who starred in Season 3 of Tehran and was due to appear in the upcoming season, initially wrote: ‘Dana Eden, who co-created and produced “Tehran”, died on Sunday, seemingly by her own hand. It’s a terrible thing. She was brilliant, and funny, and an exceptional leader. Love and condolences to all who knew her.’
Pro-Palestine activists seized on the post and accused Laurie of being a ‘Zionist.’ Tehran itself has faced criticism from anti-Israel activists who accuse it of promoting pro-Mossad narratives.
Laurie addressed the backlash, saying: ‘Nothing I have ever said or done could lead a sane person to believe that I am a Zionist. However. If someone exults in the death of a friend of mine, yes, I will block them. If you wouldn’t do the same in my position, you can f*** off too.’
His response prompted further condemnation from pro-Israel and Jewish commentators.
Hugh Laurie as Eric Peterson in Apple TV’s Tehran, which was co-created and produced by Dana Eden
Mr Laurie described Ms Eden, pictured, as ‘brilliant, funny, and an exceptional leader’ following her death
After facing backlash for his tribute to Ms Eden, a furious Hugh Laurie ask ‘why does no one understand English any more? I have not spoken or written a word that would indicate pro or anti Zionism’
EastEnders star Tracey Anne-Oberman was among those to criticise Laurie for wanting to distance himself from any support for Zionism as the row continued to simmer.
She posted on X: ‘What do you think being a “zionist” is, Hugh? You don’t have to pass a political purity test on this.’
As the online attacks continued, Mr Laurie responded: ‘God almighty, why does no one understand English anymore?
‘I have not spoken or written a word that would indicate pro or anti Zionism. That’s what those words mean. Blimey.’
Ms Eden, 52, was found dead in a hotel in the Greek capital, Athens, on Sunday, February 15, a Greek police official confirmed. Initial indications suggested that the Israeli producer had taken her own life, and there was no suspicion of foul play.
She was in Greece for the filming of the series’ fourth season, which stars Oxford actor Hugh Laurie.
Laurie joined Apple TV+ spy thriller Tehran in Season 3 as Eric Peterson, a South African nuclear inspector.
