What started as a memorial put up for “Tehran” co-creator Dana Eden rapidly spiraled right into a polarized debate over Zionism, prompting Hugh Laurie to problem a pointed response to critics on X — and igniting backlash from either side.
“Nothing I’ve ever mentioned or achieved could lead on a sane individual to imagine that I’m a Zionist,” Laurie mentioned. “Nevertheless. If somebody exults within the loss of life of a pal of mine, sure I’ll block them. When you wouldn’t do the identical in my place, you possibly can f–okay off too.”
The “Home” alum, who posts occasionally on X, took to the platform on Tuesday to recollect the producer and co-creator of “Tehran,” an Apple TV sequence he joined in Season 3. Eden was discovered lifeless in her Athens resort room on Sunday on the age of 52.
“Dana Eden, who co-created and produced ‘Tehran’, died on Sunday, seemingly by her personal hand. It’s a horrible factor,” Laurie mentioned on Tuesday. “She was sensible, and humorous, and an distinctive chief. Love and condolences to all who knew her.”
Within the replies to his Tuesday put up, Laurie was met with criticism for posting a couple of “Zionism propagandist.” Laurie alluded to the backlash on Thursday, posting “I used to hate blocking folks, and infrequently did it. I’m older now.”
However Laurie’s newest phrases on the matter kicked up a brand new wave of backlash — this time from either side. Some commentators criticized Laurie’s sentiments for being too anti-Zionist.
“What larger affront might @hughlaurie make to Dana Eden than utilizing her loss of life to disassociate from Dana, her folks, and her homeland,” mentioned @BluegrassRabbi on X. “How completely pathetic.”
“Rabbi. I did no such factor, nor would I ever,” Laurie responded. “Please re-read within the morning.”
In the meantime, others took him to activity for being too pro-Zionist in the identical assertion.
“Hugh Laurie didn’t appear to thoughts the Zionist cash and a focus he obtained for his work on ‘Tehran,’” mentioned @DahliaKurtz on X. “However please. No ‘sane’ individual ought to ever acknowledge him as a Zionist. I’ve all the time seen Hugh as an excellent actor. Think about, he acted sane all these years. Till now…”
