Dawn French apologises after being accused of underplaying October 7 attacks
British comedian and actress Dawn French has issued a public apology after a social media video she posted about the conflict in Gaza and Israel drew widespread criticism.
The 67-year-old Vicar of Dibley star shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), using a baby-like voice to deliver a satirical monologue critiquing what she described as the justifications used by those supporting Israel's continued military campaign in Gaza.
'Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no,' she says in the video, before launching into a series of exaggerated, childlike impressions mimicking pro-Israel arguments.
'Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us… and we want that land… and we have history… Those people aren't really even people, are they?' Each segment is followed by French returning to her natural voice to declare: 'No.'
The video, which has since been deleted, quickly amassed over 4.7million views and sparked a fierce backlash among some.
Critics accused French of trivialising the October 7 Hamas attacks, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds taken hostage. Some viewers said her tone appeared to mock victims rather than leaders.
In response to the outcry, French posted a lengthy apology on Instagram on Saturday, acknowledging that her attempt at satire had fallen short of the mark.
'I clumsily used a mocking tone,' she wrote. '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].'
French said her real aim had been to 'mock and point the finger of shame at the behaviour of the cruel leaders on ALL sides of this attricious [sic] war,' but admitted that her message had come across as one-sided.
'I'm particularly sorry that my disgust at Hamas didn't figure. It appeared one-sided and that is wrong,' she said.
She added that she had been motivated by a growing sense of helplessness and a desire to speak out against the escalating humanitarian crisis, particularly the suffering of children in Gaza. More Trending
'The images of starving and wounded children have haunted me day and night,' she wrote. 'History has taught us never to stand by and allow this kind of inhumane violence to be wrought on anyone, especially innocent children.'
'I hope you will understand my intention was not to offend, but clearly I have. For which I am sorry and I have removed the video.'
French's apology has prompted mixed responses online, with some praising her for addressing the issue directly and others continuing to criticise the original post.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.
Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island star has flirty link to Justin Bieber and Gary Lineker's son
EXCLUSIVE: Helena Ford is set to make her Love Island debut when the new series starts on June 9 and the Londoner is already well connected in the world of showbiz Love Island's latest series is already heating up and it hasn't even started yet as the line up includes a footballer's son, someone whose mum owns a sex shop, a former fire breather and now someone who Justin Bieber follows. Helena Ford is bringing more than just stunning looks and cabin crew charm to the villa. The 29-year-old Londoner is already well connected in celebrity circles, counting Zara McDermott, Justin Bieber, and the sons of British TV royalty among her friends. And as she gears up to find love under the Spanish sun, she's not ruling anything out - even sex on national television. Helena, who previously worked as a flight attendant before entering the villa, is no stranger to the jet-set lifestyle. But her social circle might come as a surprise to some. In an exclusive interview ahead of her casting her sights on some guys under the Mallorcan sun, she opened up about her links to Love Island alumni, pop royalty, and the children of some of the UK's biggest media names. 'I know Zara [McDermott] through one of my best friends who managed her after she left Love Island,' Helena revealed. 'I didn't actually speak to her before going in — she's super busy filming documentaries at the moment.' Despite the lack of last-minute advice from Zara, Helena's no stranger to reality TV culture. She's also familiar with some famous faces off-screen, including the sons of Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker. 'I haven't actually told them!' she laughed. 'So they'll find out with everyone else. I imagine their reaction will be positive, though.' As for how she met them? 'Just nights out in London,' Helena explained casually — proving that the capital's social scene can bring together just about anyone. Perhaps the most surprising revelation? Helena is followed by none other than Justin Bieber. 'He does! It's from an old account I had when I was like 12,' she admitted. 'I used to post about him constantly [on X], total Belieber.' Now, Helena's stepping into the spotlight in her own right as one of the standout contestants on Love Island 2025, Series 12. This season, Love Island is lifting its five-year ban on airing intimate scenes, including those in the villa's Hideaway. Executive producer Mike Spencer confirmed that such footage will be broadcast to keep the show "fresh and exciting" in its 10th year. It's a controversial move, but Helena's taking a measured approach. When asked about potentially having sex on the show, she admitted it's something she has discussed with family. 'Yes – especially my mum,' she said. 'She's clued up and said she'd just leave the room or put the TV on mute. I don't know if I'd do it, but never say never.' Helena's honest, laid-back attitude is already making her a fan favourite. With her girl-next-door energy mixed with an enviable A-list social circle, she could be one to watch this season. Describing herself as, 'definitely a lover girl,' Helena says she's finally ready for a boyfriend. This isn't Helena's first or second brush with Love Island fame either - she first applied at 19, a decade ago. 'I only had one audition and didn't get through. Definitely for the best,' she admits. 'I wasn't ready back then.' Now, at 29, she's confident it's finally her moment. A whole host of new singles have been chosen to go into the villa to try and find love while also navigating the twists and turns of the show. The series will be filmed in its usual Majorcan villa but it has been given a spruce up since last year. Love Island returns Monday, June 9 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Jeremy Kyle guest who killed girlfriend's hamster has lifetime animal ban axed
ITV's Jeremy Kyle Show has been hit with controversy over the years, including one guest who killed his girlfriend's hamster after finding out he was not the father of her baby A former star of The Jeremy Kyle Show has had his lifetime ban on owning animals lifted. Controversial host Jeremy, 59, confessed that he still feels "immensely proud" of the ITV show, despite it being a factor in the death in one of its guests. The programme showcased a diverse range of individuals to the public, including an elderly escort who happily had sex with over 1,000 men. However, one previous guest has since appeared in court to have his lifetime ban on keeping animals lifted. Ryan O'Brien, from Stevenage, was granted this right by a judge who agreed that he had succeeded in "turning his life around" and proving he can care for a pet. In 2012, O'Brien pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after he hurled a hamster against a wall and stamped on it to kill it. At the time of the animal's death, O'Brien was in a tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend that had just ended shortly before the incident, as reported by The Comet. His relationship abruptly ended after appearing on the controversial ITV programme to determine whether he was the father of a 13-month-old girl he had been co-parenting with his partner. It was during his stint on the show that a DNA test revealed he was not the father of the toddler, reports the Daily Star. After admitting to the offence, O'Brien was initially slapped with a suspended jail term and an indefinite ban on keeping or owning animals. But in a dramatic turnaround, he's managed to get the ban overturned after convincing the court of his reformation. When he stood before Stevenage Magistrates' Court on May 22, no fewer than four witnesses vouched for his transformation, convincing the magistrates that he was now fit to care for a pet. His solicitor highlighted to the press that the magistrates had witnessed a profound shift in O'Brien's demeanour. Now 35, O'Brien has welcomed a new addition to his life, a miniature British bulldog pup named Dotty. Chatting with The Comet, he shared his journey of turning over a new leaf, leaving behind substance abuse to concentrate on bettering himself. "I have now completed a three-year apprenticeship with the construction company Wates and am a qualified tiler, decorator and electrician," he proudly told the paper. He's also giving back to the community, lending a hand at food banks and warm spaces. "A lot has changed; I've changed," O'Brien reflected. "I haven't got a bad bone in my body now." He expressed deep remorse over his past actions, saying: "Killing the hamster is the biggest regret of my life. I just wasn't thinking at the time." Despite his efforts to move forward, O'Brien acknowledged that he still faces the consequences of his past, with public shaming being a constant reminder. However, he expressed gratitude towards The Jeremy Kyle Show for shedding light on truths about his former partner. He shared that he's been clean since Christmas, steering clear of drugs for the past two years. He admitted reaching a juncture where he was "sick" of his previous lifestyle. Now, with "a good support network of friends", he's turned a new page: "I have stopped hanging out with people who were bad for me."
Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Chris Hughes' ex confirms pregnancy amid his blossoming romance with JoJo Siwa
Love Island star Chris Hughes's ex-girlfriend has revealed she is pregnant with her first child - while his relationship with Celebrity Big Brother co-star JoJo Siwa is heating up Chris Hughes's professional sport star ex-girlfriend has announced she is expecting her first child - just as his romance with Celebrity Big Brother co-star JoJo Siwa has been confirmed. Professional golfer Annabel Dimmock, 28, shared her happy news via a social media post on Saturday. The golf star took to Instagram showing herself wearing a pink crop top and a pair of short denim shorts. With her legs dangling into a swimming pool, the star showed her growing baby bump. In an accompanying caption, she wrote: "New rookie on tour coming soon" alongside pink heart emojis - and thereby announcing her pregnancy. Fans were quick to take to the comments to wish her well - and noted that the star was posing with baby pink baby shoes. One wrote: "Omg congratulations so happy for you." And another typed: "Congratulations your gonna make the best mum... can't wait to meet her." Annabel previously enjoyed a 14 month romance with Love Island star Chris which lasted from 2020 until 2022. Chris had previously hinted the split hit him hard. "I'm in a good place. I always struggle a bit when it's fresh out of a relationship because everything feels different," he told The Sun in 2022. "But I'm in the gym, I'm keeping myself busy with work. I'm all over the shop. I've got good friends and family around me which is a blessing as well, so I feel good." Annabel's agent had previously told OK! Magazine: "I can confirm they have split and Annabel wishes Chris all the best." She then went on to date Alfie Best Jnr - who is worth £10million thanks to the success of his father, entrepreneur Alfie Best Snr. When the romance was revealed in June 2023, a source told The Sun: "Alfie is a really well liked guy and has been a great match for Annabel. The pair are head over heels but taking things in their stride and not plastering it all over the internet.' Chris has since found a new romance, however, with American pop singer JoJo Siwa, 22. The pair fell for each other after appearing on ITV's Celebrity Big Brother in April this year. Viewers watched in surprise as the pair grew extremely close while in the house - despite the fact JoJo had a girlfriend, Kath Ebbs, on the outside world. When the series concluded, Kath sensationally claimed that JoJo had dumped her at the CBB wrap party. Former Dance Moms star JoJo and Chris then raised eyebrows when they enjoyed a holiday together in Mexico - where they were snapped kissing in a swimming pool. The pair later appeared to confirm their romance as Chris shared a photo of himself in bed with the younger star. JoJo has since discussed their relationship, telling ITV's Lorraine: "Chris and I have had a lot of chats. We've never gone into the kitchen and the head is turning, we've never had that version. He's the best man." Further quizzed on what was going on, she said: "It's so funny To me. It's so funny how straight up people are." Revealing that he had gifted her roses, she said: "They were discount flowers. There's this adorable clip of him, peeling off the sticker... What's even better now, everyone deserves to know, the flowers exist in a blender bottle. He's the best."
