Steve Martin speaks out as co-star Miriam Margolyes slams his 'horrid' behaviour
Steve Martin has broken his silence following accusations made by his Little Shop of Horrors co-star Miriam Margolyes in her memoir that the actor was "horrid" to her on set and "actually hit her" during a stunt scene together.
Miriam, who is well-known for her role as Professor Sprout in Harry Potter, made accusations of mistreatment from her co-star Martin on set of their musical horror show together. In her memoir, Oh Miriam! Stories From an Extraordinary Life, the actress claimed that Martin actually struck her while they were performing a stunt together. In the scene, Martn's character Orin Scrivello was meant to fake punch Miriam's character and slam a door in her face in a musical number.
Miriam wrote: "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,” she added that Martin was "undeniably brilliant but horrid to me.”
Fans were shocked at the claims as the award-winning actor has been largely uncontroversial during his long career in Hollywood. Following the accusations, Martin shared a statement to the Hollywood Reporter stating that he had a very different experience on set and recalled taking "extreme caution" during the stunt in question.
Steve Martin responds to accusations made by his co-star saying that he took 'extreme caution' during the scene (GC Images)
Miriam Margolyes shared her experience working with Steve Martin in her memoir (Dave Benett/Getty Images)His statement read: "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," 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.”
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The 78-year-old actor said that when they were working on the set they reportedly spoke after the scene and she allegedly reassured him that everything was fine. There were also reportedly several other members working on the scene at the time to ensure that it was done as safely as possible. Martin wrote: "There was never any physical contact between her and me, accidental or otherwise, in this scene or any other we shot."
Director Frank Oz, was also present during the filming of the scene, shared a statement vouching for Martin. He wrote: "I always rehearse physical actions in slow motion," he added: “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. He’s always been professional and respectful of everyone on all of my shoots.”
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