Dame Helen Mirren was accosted on a London street and called an “evil Zionist b****” by a pro-Palestinian activist, according to footage posted online.
The incident took place near Tower Hill as the 80-year-old Oscar-winning actress was walking at night with her husband, director Taylor Hackford. In the video, Mirren initially appears calm and smiles at the man approaching her, asking whether he is OK.
The encounter quickly escalates as the man identifies her as “Helen Mirren, the avowed Zionist,” referring to past comments she made about Israel’s right to exist after the Holocaust. He then hurls abuse at both Mirren and Hackford.
Hackford is seen repeatedly telling the man to leave them alone.
The footage was first published by an anonymous account called Anti-Fascist Action UK.
Mirren has a long-standing connection to Israel. She first visited the country in 1967, shortly after the Six-Day War, volunteered at Kibbutz HaOn near the Sea of Galilee and traveled around the region.
She has also spoken against cultural boycotts of Israel, arguing that isolating Israeli artists would be counterproductive. In 2023, she portrayed Golda Meir, Israel’s only female prime minister, in the film “Golda.”
At the same time, Mirren has said she does not support every action of the Israeli government and has previously voiced concern over the country’s political direction.
Mirren’s representatives were approached for comment.