Julianna Margulies Exits ‘The Morning Show’ Following Controversial Comments on Israel-Hamas War

Julianna Margulies will not be returning for the fourth season of the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, less than a year after making controversial remarks about the Israel-Hamas war that drew backlash.

The 58-year-old Emmy winner, who played journalist Laura Peterson on the show, passed on a potential one-episode appearance in season four. However, the decision was reportedly made before Margulies’ comments in November on the podcast The Back Room.

On the podcast, Margulies discussed the support for Palestine from black and LGBTQ communities amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. She said black people have “been brainwashed to hate Jews” and referenced an event at Columbia University where a group said “Zionists aren’t invited.”

“You f—ing idiots. You don’t exist. You’re even lower than the Jews. A, you’re black, and B, you’re gay. And you’re turning your back against the people who support you?” Margulies said of the group’s stance. “Because Jews, they rally around everybody.”

The actress, known for roles on ER, The Good Wife and The Sopranos, also said LGBTQ people who use they/them pronouns “will be the first people beheaded” if they went to an Islamic country.

After backlash, Margulies apologized in December, saying she was “horrified” her words offended black and LGBTQ communities she has “love and respect” for.

“Racism, homophobia, sexism, or any prejudice against anyone’s personal beliefs or identity are abhorrent to me, full stop,” her statement said. “Throughout my career I have worked tirelessly to combat hate of all kind, end antisemitism, speak out against terrorist groups like Hamas, and forge a united front against discrimination.”

While Margulies will sit out season four of The Morning Show, she reportedly has been asked about returning for a potential fifth season of the Emmy-winning drama starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.