Tom Blyth Apologizes for Calling Cillian Murphy a ‘British Icon,’ Fears Future Collaboration at Stake

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Tom Blyth Apologizes for Calling Cillian Murphy a ‘British Icon,’ Fears Future Collaboration at Stake

Tom Blyth, known for his role in “Billy The Kid,” has recently faced backlash for mistakenly referring to actor Cillian Murphy as a “British icon.” This comment was made during London Fashion Week at Burberry’s spring/summer 2026 show.

Incident Overview

While responding to a question in a now-deleted social media video, Blyth stated, “British icon I’d like to see in a Burberry campaign? Ooh, I mean, Cillian Murphy.” However, Cillian Murphy, who hails from Cork, Ireland, is not British. This error prompted swift reactions from fans and fellow celebrities.

Reactions from the Community

  • Irish actor Eve Hewson commented “Oh, boy” on a related post.
  • Musician Imelda May expressed her disapproval of the mix-up, highlighting the confusion surrounding Irish and British identities.
  • Love Island star Greg O’Shea responded with a vomit emoji, indicating his disbelief.

Blyth’s Apology

At the BFI London Film Festival premiere of his new film “Wasteman,” Blyth expressed his embarrassment over the incident. He apologized directly to Murphy and the Irish people. Blyth stated, “I’ve nothing but respect for the Irish and I love Cillian Murphy.”

Challenges of National Identity

Blyth attributed his blunder to jet lag, admitting he did not fully comprehend the question. He humorously feared that Murphy would never want to collaborate with him after the incident. Blyth concluded by acknowledging the importance of listening critically.

Murphy’s Pride in Irish Heritage

Cillian Murphy has previously emphasized his Irish identity. During a press event for “Inception,” he corrected a journalist who referred to him and Tom Hardy as British actors, asserting, “Nah, I’m Irish.”

Murphy’s pride in his background was also evident during his acceptance speech at the 2024 Oscars, where he became the first Irish-born actor to win Best Actor. He stated, “I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight,” and expressed gratitude in Irish, saying “Go raibh míle maith agat.”

Conclusion

This incident highlights the complexities surrounding national identities, especially concerning Ireland and Britain. As Blyth reflects on his mistake, it serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting cultural heritage.