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Steve Martin refutes Miriam Margolyes' claims that he 'hit' her during 'Little Shop of Horrors' filming

In 'Little Shop of Horrors', Miriam Margolyes played the role of a dental assistant to Steve Martin's character, Orin Scrivello

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Steve Martin has responded to his former co-star Miriam Margolyes' allegations in her memoir, addressing her claims that he "hit" her while filming the 1986 movie 'Little Shop of Horrors'.

In her memoir, 'Oh Miriam: Stories From An Extraordinary Life', Margolyes recounted her experience playing a dental assistant to Martin's character, Orin Scrivello.

She spoke about a scene in which Martin's character violently slams a door in her character's face and punches her. This incident forms a notable part of her narrative about their time filming the movie.

Miriam Margolyes accuses Steve Martin of being 'horrid' on set

"I was hit all day by doors opening in my face; repeatedly punched, slapped and knocked down by an unlovely and unapologetic Steve Martin – perhaps he was method acting - and came home grumpy with a splitting headache," Margolyes wrote in the book.

Her overall assessment of Martin's performance was that he was "undeniably brilliant, but horrid to me." 

Steve Martin refutes Miriam Margolyes' accusations

"When I first read Miriam Margolyes pejorative account of our scene in Little Shop of Horrors, I was surprised. My memory is that we had a good communication as professional actors," Martin told the Hollywood Reporter.

He continued, "But when it is implied that I harmed her or was in some way careless about doing the stunts, I have to object."

"I remember taking EXTREME caution regarding the fake punch - the same caution I would use with any similar scene," he added.

The 'Only Murders in the Building' star also pointed out that during the scene's filming, there were several other crew members present on set, including director Frank Oz.

This was to ensure that the scene would be executed smoothly and without any issues.

Director Frank Oz responds to Miriam Margolyes' allegations

"I always rehearse physical actions in slow motion," Oz said in his own statement.

He continued, "The scene was supposed to include a fake punch. It’s puzzling what she’s talking about. It’s not the Steve I know or anyone knows."

Oz added, "He’s always been professional and respectful of everyone on all of my shoots."

Margolyes' allegations and Martin's response to them left the internet divided. A user tweeted, "They're not claims, Steve Martin is a violent man and he needs to be cancelled."

Another wrote, "No one should be treated poorly. However he did play an abusive character in this film, maybe he over did it?"

A third added, "He MIGHT'VE been in character? That guy sucks," while a fourth quipped, "Took his character seriously."

Meanwhile, others accused Margolyes of bringing this up after amost 40 years for "attention".

One user wrote, "Oh look Miriam Margolyes being spiteful again…"

"Miriam doesn’t seem like an overly friendly or nice person herself," wrote another, while a third added, "She complains alot."

"Anyone else getting the impression lately that she'll just say anything for attention?" questioned a fourth.