Hugh Laurie responds to backlash after posting tribute to Israeli TV producer Dana Eden

Hugh Laurie has responded to critics after posting a tribute to his ‘friend’, Israeli producer, Dana Eden.

The executive producer behind Apple TV's Tehran, was reportedly found dead in an Athens hotel room as the show was filming its fourth season.

Eden was in the Greek capital at the time, and it was later reported by a relative that something wasn’t right on 15 February when the producer wasn’t contactable.

Police officials in Greece have since stated that Eden’s death is being treated as a self-inflicted death, which was reported by Reuters.

The Israeli, 52, has had an outpouring of tributes since her death last week, with Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, revealing in a statement: "We mourn the passing of our friend and partner in a long line of productions, series and programs at the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. Dana was among the senior figures in the Israeli television industry and was a central figure in the creation and leadership of some of the corporation’s most prominent and influential productions.

Hugh Laurie paid tribute to his 'friend' (Apple TV)

"Her professional work, uncompromising commitment and love of creation have left a deep mark on the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation."

However, Laurie, the star of season three of Tehran, also paid tribute to her, but was quickly met with outstanding amount of backlash from people online.

The actor, 66, initially posted his condolences on X, calling Eden’s death ‘a terrible thing’ and revealed her to be a ‘brilliant, funny, and an exceptional leader.’

But this led to people accusing him of being a Zionist – a person who believes Israel should be a protected State and homeland for the Jewish people.

The House actor denied the claims, as he wrote: “Nothing I have ever said or done could lead a sane person to believe that I am a Zionist. However.

“If someone exults in the death of a friend of mine, yes, I will block them. If you wouldn’t do the same in my position, you can f*** off too.”

Dana Eden was found dead in her apartment (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for AppleTV+)

After further backlash, he added: “God almighty, why does no one understand English anymore?

“I have not spoken or written a word that would indicate pro or anti Zionism. That’s what those words mean. Blimey.”

Tehran’s production company Dana & Shula Productions, which Eden was a co-owner with her professional partner, shared in a statement: “We are shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of our beloved friend and partner. Dana was a gifted creator with an international reputation.”

LADbible reached out to Hugh Laurie’s representatives for comment.