Lipman Condemns McCarthy’s Withdrawal as Cowardice
Dame Maureen Lipman has publicly branded Irish actor Gerard McCarthy "cowardly" following his decision to withdraw from a theatre production due to her publicly expressed views on Israel and Palestine. The Bafta-nominated actress, known for her role in "Coronation Street," stated that she would not be "bullied" by colleagues she characterized as engaging in "virtue-signaling." Lipman issued a direct challenge to McCarthy, urging him to "have the courage to face me" and discuss what she should do, think, or say. She further told The Times that she expected him to "grow up" regarding the dispute.
Lipman expressed bafflement at McCarthy’s decision to pull out of the play titled "Right Before I Go." The production is designed to collect and present the final words of individuals who have taken their own lives. Lipman was announced as joining the cast for a special performance scheduled for September 10 at London’s Soho Theatre, which coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day.
Actor Cites Discomfort with Promoting Lipman’s Views
McCarthy, who has appeared in productions such as "Call the Midwife" and "Hollyoaks," explained that his withdrawal was based on personal discomfort rather than a direct confrontation. He stated that he did not feel comfortable personally promoting Lipman’s involvement in the project given the views she had "publicly and repeatedly expressed regarding Israel and Palestine." His decision to leave the cast came shortly after Lipman’s name was added to the roster for the upcoming special performance.
In response to McCarthy’s criticism, Lipman sought to clarify her public image. She told The Times that she wanted to reassure him that she would not be "arriving with a star of David on my forehead." This statement was made in the context of addressing the concerns raised by his withdrawal from the Soho Theatre event.
Details of the Production and Timeline
The play, "Right Before I Go," focuses on the final statements of those who have died by suicide. The specific performance in question was set to take place on September 10, designated as World Suicide Prevention Day. The venue for this special event is London’s Soho Theatre. Lipman, aged 80 at the time of the report, had been announced as a cast member for this occasion before McCarthy’s withdrawal.
The conflict arose from Lipman’s public stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. McCarthy cited these repeated expressions as the primary reason for his inability to support her participation in the play. Lipman’s reaction focused on the manner of his departure, labeling it cowardly and accusing him of performing a gesture of moral superiority without engaging in direct dialogue.
Reactions and Statements
Lipman’s comments were reported by The Times, where she articulated her frustration with McCarthy’s actions. She emphasized that she did not wish to be subjected to bullying tactics from colleagues who she believed were prioritizing public perception over substantive engagement. Her challenge for McCarthy to face her directly was presented as a call for mature dialogue rather than silent withdrawal.
McCarthy’s position remained focused on his personal comfort level regarding the promotion of Lipman. He did not dispute her views but stated that his role in the production required him to support her involvement, which he found incompatible with his own stance given the nature of her public comments on Israel and Palestine. The incident highlights a divergence in how actors navigate political controversies within professional theatre environments.
The Soho Theatre event was intended to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day through the artistic medium of "Right Before I Go." The casting announcement had generated attention, leading to McCarthy’s public withdrawal and Lipman’s subsequent rebuttal. Both parties have maintained their positions: McCarthy citing personal ethical boundaries regarding promotion, and Lipman characterizing his actions as a lack of courage and an act of virtue-signaling.