The Metropolitan Police are currently reviewing reports of antisemitic abuse aimed at Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren. The force is assessing whether the online remarks constitute a hate crime, following a significant backlash she received after attending a vigil in London.
Dame Helen was present at a solidarity event organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, held in Parliament Square. The gathering was in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Images and videos of her at the event circulated online, subsequently leading to a wave of abusive comments directed towards her on social media platforms.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are aware of the online abuse and are examining the content to determine if any criminal offences have been committed. Hate crimes, which are motivated by prejudice against a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity, carry more severe penalties in the UK.
This incident is not the first time Dame Helen Mirren has publicly addressed antisemitism. In a 2023 interview, she spoke about her discomfort with the rise of antisemitism and expressed her solidarity with the Jewish community. Her attendance at the recent vigil underscores her continued commitment to speaking out on such issues.
The review by the Metropolitan Police comes amidst heightened concerns about online hate speech and its impact. Social media companies often face criticism for their handling of abusive content, and incidents like this bring the issue of accountability and platform responsibility to the forefront of public discussion.