Piers Morgan kicks off after Eddie Redmayne says playing trans was a ‘mistake’

Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: ITV/Focus Features

Piers Morgan has hit out at Eddie Redmayne for saying his playing a trans woman in 2015’s The Danish Girl was “a mistake.”

The actor, who was Oscar-nominated for the role, made the remarks in a recent interview with The Sunday Times, adding: “The bigger discussion about the frustrations around casting is because many people don’t have a chair at the table.

“There must be a levelling, otherwise, we are going to carry on having these debates.”

“The mistake is saying it’s a mistake for an actor to act”

Sharing a news story about Redmayne’s comments on Twitter, former Good Morning Britain host Morgan added yesterday: “No, the mistake is saying it’s a mistake for an actor to act.

“What next – only real Mafia mobsters can play Mafia mobsters?”

Set in 1920s Copenhagen, the film focuses on painter Lili Elbe as she comes to terms with her gender identity.

Redmayne will soon be seen in the role of Emcee in a new West End production of Cabaret – a role historically played by queer men.

“I hope when people see the performance, the interpretation will justify the casting,” Redmayne recently told British Vogue.

The 39-year-old added: “The way I see the character is as shape-shifting and a survivor.”