Michael Parkinson: I do not owe Helen Mirren an apology for interview which sparked sexism row
The broadcaster introduced her to his chat show audience as the 'sex queen' of the Royal Shakespeare Company
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.Sir Michael Parkinson insists he does not owe Dame Helen Mirren an apology for an interview that caused a sexism row.
The veteran broadcaster, 81, and the actress, 71, came face to face in 1975, when he introduced her to his chat show audience as the “sex queen” of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He quoted a critic as saying she was good at “sluttish eroticism” and asked if her “equipment” hindered her being recognised as a serious actress.
When challenged by Mirren as to what he meant, Sir Michael looked her up and down and said her figure, prompting the response: “Serious actresses can't have big bosoms, is that what you mean?”
He told the Mail on Sunday's Event magazine the pair had still not buried the hatchet after their exchange and that he has no desire to.
Sir Michael said: “I don't want to. Nor does she. I don't regard what happened there as being anything other than good television.
“There is no need to apologise, not at all. She didn't want to do an interview and after about 10 minutes I didn't want to interview her.
“There's no problem, it's not World War III for God's sake.”
The Independent contacted a representative of Mirren for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments