Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Anthony Horowitz says he regrets making fun of vegetarians: ‘I barely eat meat myself now’

‘Your attitudes do change,’ novelist says

Peony Hirwani
Tuesday 23 August 2022 11:46 BST
Comments
Skyfall: Clip - Bond, James Bond

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Anthony Horowitz has said that he regrets mocking vegetarians.

The 67-year-old author behind James Bond said he previously made fun of vegetarians in the Nineties.

In a new interview with The Independent, Horowitz said: “There are very few things I regret – maybe odd things like making fun of vegetarians, which I did 30-something years ago.”

“Now I barely eat meat myself,” he added. “Your attitudes do change, but because I’ve always focused on entertaining people rather than trying to upset them, there’s nothing in my books I regret.”

Horowitz is the author of 56 books, including the Alex Rider teen spy series, three James Bond novels, and several reimaginings of Sherlock Holmes.

Speaking of his novels, the screenwriter revealed that his children’s books are re-edited with some caution.

“My publishers have been more nervous in the editing of my books,” he said. “Issues of levels of violence, language, and attitudes do get more closely examined.

“I’ve had some of my books read for sensitivity. But that’s the 21st century. People’s attitudes have changed and what didn’t offend people 40 years ago does now.”

(Anna Lythgoe/PA)
(Anna Lythgoe/PA) (PA)

The novelist also said that his wife, the producer Jill Green, “reads everything” he writes.

“Jill reads everything I do first and is my best and wisest critic and is completely honest,” he said. “It matters a great deal to me what she thinks. We’ve always had a marriage and a relationship partly based on work because we are both very driven.”

Horowitz’s TV hits include Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War, and Poirot.

He has had three books published this year and is due to make a six-part TV series with Green.

Read the full interview with Horowitz here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in