Miriam Margolyes sparks fresh backlash with ‘ableist slur’ while trying to explain her This Morning comments
Miriam Margolyes has sparked fresh controversy over apparent ableist comments (Filthy Gorgeous Productions)
Miriam Margolyes has addressed the backlash over her This Morning exchange with Andi Peters, saying she “didn’t want to embarrass or hurt Andi because he seems very nice”, but her explanation has sparked fresh criticism after she used an offensive term for disabled people in the same remarks, as seen in a TikTok video from the Southend book event.
The 85-year-old actor was speaking on stage while promoting her memoir Miriam’s Full English at Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea. In the attendee-shot footage, Margolyes said she wanted to ask Peters about identity because it interests her, adding: “How do Black people feel? How do Brown people feel? How do cripples feel? How do fat people feel?”
Margolyes’ use of the term “cripples” has been criticised as ableist. The comments came as she attempted to justify why she raised questions about Peters’ background on live TV.
What happened on This Morning
During the original interview, Margolyes used an outdated and offensive term to describe Peters’ skin colour, prompting criticism online. The segment was later edited out of the ITVX catch-up version of the episode.
In the exchange, Peters confirmed that both of his parents are Black. As the conversation continued, producers raised concerns via his earpiece and Peters said on air: “They’re getting nervous now.”
Margolyes appeared on the ITV show last Thursday (relative to 7 September), then addressed the incident again over the weekend at the Southend event as the audience footage circulated online.
Andi Peters’ response
Peters later responded publicly in an exchange with Jeremy Vine on X, writing: “Thanks JV. As you know we have to be ready for ANYTHING!!!”.
Margolyes, known for her blunt, comedic interview style, played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films and has credits including The Age of Innocence. She has also spoken candidly over the years about queer life and ageing, and her provocative talk-show appearances frequently generate viral debate, including her recent comments.
