Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes says she wanted Boris Johnson to die from coronavirus, gets slammed
‘Harry Potter’ star Miriam Margolyes faced criticism after she said she wanted UK Prime Minister, Boris Johson, “to die” while he was fighting coronavirus. The 78-year-old caused the stir on Friday, May 8, when she appeared virtually on the latest episode of Channel 4's ‘The Last Leg’.
The show is presented by Adam Mills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdecombe. During the segment, when Mills asked Margolyes’s views on how Johnson is handling the outbreak, she said: “Appallingly, of course, appallingly. It’s a disgrace, it’s a scandal. It’s a public scandal. I had difficulty not wanting Boris Johnson to die. I wanted him to die.
“Then I thought that will reflect badly on me and I don’t want to be the sort of person that wants people to die. So then I wanted him to get better, which he did do, he did get better."
“But he didn’t get better as a human being. And I really would prefer that. So we’re in the s**t, basically, here,” she added.
However, her comments left the viewers of Channel 4 shocked who found them uncomfortable. People also pointed out that the show hosts also seemed appalled by her views on Johnson. One viewer commented, “I love the last leg but I don’t like miriam margolyes saying she wishes Boris dead.”
“Miriam’s comment on Boris…..disgusting,” another person said.
“There are things that are off-limits, and not funny. Whilst I am not a fan of Boris wishing another dead is not funny on any level. I do like Miriam Margolyes and she is unpredictable, but some things are best left unsaid. #BeKindorBeQuiet,” typed the third one. “Just for clarity, had Boris died, the outcome wouldn’t have been the fall of the government, just another Tory PM that you hate.
“Hope that helps. Miriam Margolyes is just another vile luvvie who holds ordinary people in contempt,” added the fourth person who was not happy with the actor’s comment.
However, it seems not everyone was against her as some defended her comments, saying they “respect” the ‘Call The Midwife’ star for being honest. “Already had a fair amount of respect for Miriam Margoyles already but I just saw her on The Last Leg and I now believe she is a national treasure," said one of her supporters.
"Not surprised Miriam Margoyles is trending after The Last Leg. She's unfailingly honest and gives zero f**ks. I love her. I don't agree with wishing death on anyone, but she did say she felt awful and was happy he recovered. I also wish he'd become a better human as a result," added another one.
Johnson got discharged from hospital on April 12, a week after getting admitted to St Thomas' Hospital, London due to a severe case of COVID-19. "The NHS has saved my life, no question, though the struggle is by no means over, we are now making progress in this incredible national battle against coronavirus,” he said at the time.
The 55-year-old also recently opened up to The Sun about his battle with the deadly bug. “It was a tough old moment, I won’t deny it. They had a strategy to deal with a ‘death of Stalin’-type scenario,” he added.