Maureen Lipman criticizes actor over play withdrawal

Actress Dame Maureen Lipman has criticized actor Gerard McCarthy after McCarthy withdrew from the upcoming Soho Theatre play, ‘Right Before I Goat’, due to Lipman’s public stances on Israel and Palestine.

McCarthy stated on Instagram that they did not feel comfortable personally promoting Lipman’s involvement in the production because of her political views. McCarthy clarified that they were not seeking to have Lipman’s casting reconsidered, but simply chose not to use their platform to promote her.

Lipman responded by challenging McCarthy to meet in person to discuss their differences. She described McCarthy’s decision as “lily livered” and “cowardly,” arguing that the acting profession requires working with people of diverse political views. Lipman suggested that refusing to work with colleagues over politics could limit an actor's career opportunities.