Helen Mirren Addresses Israel's Actions Amid Controversial Backlash

WHO:

Deadline - Helen Mirren, Oscar-winning actress

Variety - Helen Mirren, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Taormina Film Festival

Variety - Tom Hardy, co-star of Mirren in "MobLand"

WHAT:

Deadline - Mirren was verbally attacked by a pro-Palestinian activist in London, who called her an “evil Zionist.”

Variety - Mirren described the verbal attack as a hate crime that is currently under investigation.

Variety - Mirren expressed support for Tom Hardy, stating, “My support of him is genuine & heartfelt.”

WHERE:

Deadline - The verbal attack occurred in London.

Variety - Mirren spoke to journalists at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily.

WHY:

Variety - Mirren's comments were in response to the backlash she received due to her connections to Israel.

HOW:

Deadline - Mirren characterized the attacker as “a little either [unclear text].”

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 18:07 UTC)

Helen Mirren, the Oscar-winning actress, was verbally attacked by a pro-Palestinian activist in London, who labeled her an “evil Zionist.” Speaking at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, Mirren described the incident as a hate crime that is currently under investigation, while also expressing her genuine support for her co-star Tom Hardy. She characterized the attacker in a way that suggested a dismissive attitude, highlighting the ongoing backlash she faces due to her connections to Israel.