Hugh Laurie admitted to being “slightly drunk” when he responded to criticism of his role in “House” on social media. The incident began with British journalist Janet Murray, who wrote an article titled “What I learnt from my online fight with Hugh Laurie” on UnHerd. Her review of “House,” a show Laurie starred in from 2004 to 2012, sparked the online exchange.

Murray posted on social media that Laurie’s reaction led to “some fairly horrific trolling” directed her way. Responding on social media, Laurie expressed his regret. “I’m sorry if people have been having a go at you because of my tweet. Not at all the plan. I was very slightly drunk and already upset about something that had nothing to do with you,” Laurie explained.

He continued, “If it’s any comfort, I got it in the neck too. I’m a thin-skinned t–t, apparently, even though it wasn’t my skin. I was sticking up for the writers who I adored.” Laurie acknowledged his error in referencing figures like Bach, Kahlo, and Moore in his argument.

“I’m sorry if people have been having a go at you because of my tweet. Not at all the plan. I was very slightly drunk and already upset about something that had nothing to do with you.” — Hugh Laurie

Laurie concluded by saying, “I’ve listened to most of them and will keep doing so. Because we love what we love.” Murray replied, acknowledging Laurie’s apology and stating she had “no hard feelings.”

The exchange initially began on June 6, when Murray critiqued the repetitive nature of “House” on social media: “Late to the party, but I’ve started watching Season 1 of House. Same narrative every episode: Patient has mysterious illness. Hugh Laurie (House) gets diagnosis wrong. Patient nearly dies. Hugh Laurie gets diagnosis wrong again. Gets threatened with being fired. Patient nearly dies again. Hugh Laurie has last minute leftfield idea. Gets diagnosis right. Doesn’t get fired. Eight seasons of this?”

Laurie retorted humorously, suggesting that episodes where Dr. House diagnosed correctly initially were only six minutes long, leading to network dissatisfaction. An alternate scenario with the patient dying, he noted, displeased the audience.

Both parties went back and forth extensively online, eventually resolving their encounter amicably. Laurie is renowned for his portrayal of Dr. Gregory House in “House” and initially found fame with Stephen Fry in shows like “A Bit of Fry & Laurie” and “Blackadder.”