Harry Potter actress caught up in row after ‘racist’ remark
Harry Potter actress Miriam Margoyles has found herself wrapped up in a race row after a comment she made while signing autographs in London.
Margoyles, who is a Jewish lesbian, made the “racist” remark which left a black man feeling “humiliated” at the London Film Convention.
The 75-year-old, who plays professor Sprout in the franchised films, was charging £5 for autographs when she reportedly said that “Jews and blacks, they get a discount.”
The Sun obtained video footage of the incident from a woman who told the newspaper that “there were lots of us stood around taking photos but he was the only man who was black.”
“She singled him out absolutely. Then she made that quip about jews and blacks and everyone was just staring at the ground and looking embarrassed. I recognised the man she targeted from other events and he looked humiliated.”
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the paper that they were all taking photos and filming when Margoyles singled out the man.
“She was being a loose canon and a big character shouting all sorts of stuff out.
“I think she was being racist. I showed the video to my family and they all agreed it was too,” she added.
A spokesperson for Ms Margoyles told the Sun: “Miriam’s comments were made in jest and she would be mortified if anyone took offence.”
Margolyes previously revealed that her parents once made her swear on a Bible not to sleep with women. In the podcast she spoke about how her parents were unaccepting of her homosexuality despite being forward thinkers.
“Extraordinary really, as my father was a doctor and in many ways he was an enlightened man especially around racism. But about homosexuality… never!”
