Police investigate antisemitic post featuring Jewish actress Maureen Lipman
Police investigate antisemitic content after a pro-Palestinian group posted an image depicting Jewish actress Maureen Lipman with devil horns and a pitchfork. The image was shared by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign as part of a petition to cancel Lipman’s upcoming performance in Aberdeen.
Details of the social media post and responses
The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign claimed that Maureen Lipman has a “long record of harmful statements about Muslims, Palestinians and Palestinian rights.” The image was used to support their call to cancel her role in the play Allegra at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
However, the Campaign Against Antisemitism described the depiction as a “longstanding antisemitic trope” and condemned the post as “shameful” and created by “Jew-baiting agitators.” The charity highlighted that discrimination against Jewish people has become normalized in the arts and emphasized that Lipman continues to have strong support from the Jewish community and beyond.
Official statements and ongoing investigation
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that they have received a report regarding the post and are currently assessing it. Officers are liaising with partners and maintaining engagement with the Jewish community as part of their response.
Aberdeen Performing Arts, the venue hosting the play, stated that it does not endorse any political or personal views of the artists performing on its stages. They emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and creating a safe space for all attendees, noting that Lipman is playing a character in a touring show and the venue does not use performances to promote political narratives.
Context of heightened concerns about antisemitism
The investigation comes amid increased concern for the Jewish community in the UK, following recent violent incidents including the stabbing of two Jewish men in London, which police have declared a terrorist incident. The governmentās adviser on terrorism has described attacks on Jewish people in the UK as the “biggest national security emergency” in nearly a decade.
Maureen Lipman has been vocal in her criticism of those who do not condemn Hamas attacks and has expressed concern about rising antisemitism in the UK. She has called for bans on pro-Palestine marches in central London and has protested media coverage related to Gaza.