Hugh Laurie Enters Controversial Zionism Debate After Tribute

Night Manager actor has been dragged into a bitter row over Zionism after he paid a heartfelt tribute to television producer Dana Eden, who was found dead in a hotel room in Athens last weekend.

Mr Laurie posted condolences on X to the late Ms Eden, the co-creator and producer of the hit Apple TV+ spy thriller series Tehran, in which he starred as Eric Peterson, a South African nuclear inspector. 

In his tribute, the star called death 'a terrible thing' and described Eden as 'brilliant, funny, and an exceptional leader.'

However, what began as a memorial post for Ms Eden quickly spiralled into a polarised debate over Zionism.

Mr Laurie, who starred in Season 3 of Tehran and was due to appear in the upcoming season, initially wrote: 'Dana Eden, who co- died on Sunday, seemingly by her own hand. It's a terrible thing. She was brilliant, and funny, and an exceptional leader. Love and condolences to all who knew her.'

Pro-Palestine activists seized on the post and accused Laurie of being a 'Zionist.' Tehran itself has faced criticism from anti-Israel activists who accuse it of promoting pro-Mossad narratives. 

Laurie addressed the backlash, saying: 'Nothing I have ever said or done could lead a sane person to believe that I am a Zionist. However. If someone exults in the death of a friend of mine, yes, I will block them. If you wouldn't do the same in my position, you can f*** off too.'

His response prompted further condemnation from pro-Israel and Jewish commentators. 

 star Tracey Anne-Oberman was among those to criticise Laurie for wanting to distance himself from any support for Zionism as the row continued to simmer. 

She posted on X: 'What do you think being a 'zionist' is, Hugh? You don't have to pass a political purity test on this.'