Social media post depicting Jewish actress Maureen Lipman with devil horns reported to police

A social media post by a pro-Palestinian group depicting Jewish actress Maureen Lipman with devil horns and a pitchfork has been reported to the police.

The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign shared the image as part of their petition to cancel Lipman’s upcoming performance in the play Allegra at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.

The group states that the actress has “openly voiced extremist Islamophobic anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab views” and “rejects the rights of Palestinians as enshrined in International Law”.

They are calling on Aberdeen Performing Arts to “reconsider” hosting Lipman through their petition, which has attracted nearly 1,000 letters of support.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism has described the image as a “longstanding antisemitic trope”.

Police Scotland confirmed that a report was received regarding the post.

A spokesperson said: “We have received a report which is being assessed.

“Officers are also liaising with partners and continue to proactively engage with the Jewish community.”

Following the backlash, Aberdeen Performing Arts has said it “does not endorse the personal or political views of the artists who perform on our stages”.

“We are aware of a number of complaints regarding Maureen Lipman performing at His Majesty’s Theatre in Allegra”, the organisation said in a statement.

“As a charity, Aberdeen Performing Arts is not affiliated to any political stance or cause. We do not endorse the personal or political views of the artists who perform on our stages, however we do welcome feedback from our audiences.

“On this occasion, Maureen Lipman is playing a character in a show that is touring the UK and our stages are in no way being used to endorse a personal or political narrative in this performance.

“As per our ‘Everyone Is Welcome Here’ ethos, we open our doors to all and ensure we create a safe space in our venues for everyone to attend and enjoy.”

Lipman is known for roles in the comedy-drama Educating Rita, the sitcom Agony and Coronation Street.

In 2023, she openly criticised celebrities who had signed a petition by Artists for Palestine UK condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza, in response to the invasion by Hamas on October 7.

Lipman called the signatories “bigoted” and “bleeding heartless liberals” who should feel “shame, shame, shame”.

In 2025, she protested against the screening of the BBC documentary “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone”.

A spokesperson for The Campaign Against Antisemitism added: “Beyond the likely copyright infringement and defamation here, portraying a Jew with devil’s horns is a longstanding antisemitic trope.

“It is shameful, but these sorts of Jew-baiting agitators are far past feeling shame at their actions.

“Discrimination against Jewish people has become normalised in the arts: it‘s now simply part of doing business as a Jewish creative in modern Britain.

“The only consolation is that Maureen Lipman knows that she enjoys the support of the Jewish community and is beloved across the country, regardless of what vocal Jew-baiting activists might say.”

Lipman’s role in Peter Quilter’s new comedy Allegra was announced in December, marking the actress’s first UK tour in 20 years.

The tour opens on May 12, 2026 – the week of the award-winning actress’s 80th birthday.

Thomas Hopkins, producer of the show, said: “As the producer of Allegra, I want to be clear this play takes no political or religious position.

“It is simply a story about joy and ageing with grace, captured in its spirit that there is ‘still light to be found, even now.’

“Dame Maureen Lipman, a true national treasure, is doing what she does best, bringing warmth and humanity to the stage.

“Peaceful protest is a right, but hateful or derogatory language, towards individuals, has no place in public life. Artists should be free to do their work, and any concerns should be addressed lawfully and respectfully.”