The Vicar Of Dibley actress Dawn French has apologised for a video she posted online regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying she “clumsily used a mocking tone” and it “appeared one-sided”
Comedian Dawn French issued an apology after her attempt at satire on the Israel-Hamas conflict fell flat with audiences, accepting she “clumsily used a mocking tone” which “appeared one-sided.” The Vicar Of Dibley star took to social media earlier this week with a video where she alternated between her regular voice and a higher-pitched imitation.
In a video addressing the conflict, she said: “Complicated, no, but nuanced”, while concluding with a firm “Bottom line is, no.” In a higher-register she quipped: “Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us.”
However, in light of criticism, Dawn has removed the contentious video from X and shared an apology, stressing that her aim was never “to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened” on October 7, 2023.
Her latest statement on Saturday, opened with: “Ok, it’s important to address this.
“I posted a video in the style I’ve been using for social media in an effort to convey an important point. I clumsily used a mocking tone.”
She stated explicitly: “My intention was NEVER to mock, or dismiss, or diminish the horror of what happened on 7 October 2023 and what continues to unfold from that brutal unthinkable, unforgivable, savage attack.”
She emotionally added, “My heart broke for the many innocent people and their families that were killed, tortured, r@ped and kidnapped. The fact that hostages are still held is utterly appalling.
“My intention was to mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on ALL sides of this atrocious war, who have continued to behave like the worst, dangerous, sickening bullies and seem to relish the tyrannical and childish one-up-manship of the violence.
“THEY were my target, but clearly I failed to do that, and that’s on me. I apologise unreservedly.
“I’m particularly sorry that my disgust at Hamas didn’t figure. It appeared one-sided, and that is wrong.
“I am a person, who like many others, is feeling increasingly helpless and hopeless as we witness the carnage and destruction worsen.
“The images of starving and wounded children have haunted me day and night. History has taught us never to stand by and allow this kind of inhumane violence to be wrought on anyone, especially innocent children.
“I have felt my silence is complicit or even somehow sanctioning. So in my small way I wanted to voice my desire to say NO – to BOTH sides – to any further violence.
“I hope you will understand my intention was not to offend, but clearly I have. For which I’m sorry and I have removed the video.” For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter
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