Miriam Margolyes Addresses Backlash Over This Morning Racial Slur Incident
Actress Miriam Margolyes has responded to the controversy sparked by her appearance on ITV’s This Morning last Thursday, September 3, where she used a historical racial slur during a live interview with host Andi Peters. The 85-year-old star was on the programme to promote her new book, Miriam’s Full English: A Grand Tour of All Our Best Bits, when the exchange occurred.
Live Broadcast Exchange Draws Immediate Reaction
The conversation turned to Peters’ heritage and accent. Margolyes asked: “Well, you’re a mix, aren’t you? So you’ve got a Black daddy and a white mummy.”
Peters, 56, corrected her, explaining that both his parents are Black. Margolyes then used the offensive term during the live broadcast. Peters was seen putting his finger to his ear, apparently communicating with producers, and said: “They’re getting nervous now. They’re getting nervous now.”
Margolyes replied: “Don’t be nervous. We welcome everybody and that’s what I want to write about in my book, it’s about inclusion.” She continued: “Not that there are people who need to be pushed out. And I’m not going to say who they are. You’ve got to read the book to find out.”
ITV subsequently removed the segment from catch-up versions on ITVX, though clips circulated widely on social media.
Margolyes Speaks Out at Southend Book Event
While promoting her book at an event in Southend on Sunday, September 6, Margolyes addressed the incident. Videos shared by attendees capture her remarks.
She stated: “I didn’t want to embarrass or hurt Andi because he seems very nice.”
“I’d never met him before; I didn’t know who he was and I didn’t know he was black until I saw him. When you see someone, of course you know they’re black.”
“I wanted to know what he thought about it, because that’s what interests me.”
Further Comments on Identity and Curiosity
Margolyes expanded on her perspective, saying: “How do black people feel? How do brown people feel? … How do fat people feel?” She added: “You see what I mean? All of us feel something about who we are and how people see us, what they think of us.”
When asked whether she aimed to discuss Peters’ identity, she responded: “I am fascinated by other people.”
“They are the people that interest me, not the celebrities so much. It’s everybody. What their story is, what made them who they are, why you are the way you are.”
Industry Reactions
Broadcaster Jeremy Vine expressed outrage over Margolyes’ remarks and praised Peters for handling the situation “brilliantly.” Peters replied to Vine: “Thanks JV. As you know we have to be ready for ANYTHING!!!”
LADbible Group previously approached representatives of Miriam Margolyes and ITV for comment.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org.
