Emilia Fox explains ‘decision to not talk about’ cousin Laurence Fox publicly

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Emilia Fox has explained why she’s decided not to talk publicly about her controversial cousin Laurence Fox, who has swapped acting for right-wing politics in recent years.

Having followed their famous parents into the entertainment industry, Emilia and Laurence are both part of a younger generation of famous Foxes, which also includes the former’s brother, House of the Dragon star Freddie Fox, and the latter’s sister, Submarine actor Lydia Fox.

And while the family is still best-known for its acting prowess, Reclaim Party founder Laurence has hit headlines for his politics and social media presence in recent years, posing in blackface and sharing an image of a swastika, as well as multiple court cases.

In March last year, he was charged with a sexual offence after allegedly sharing an intimate picture of a TV star without her consent. He has pleaded not guilty.

When asked about Laurence in a new interview with The Telegraph, Emilia replied: “I understand why there is an interest in knowing about Laurence. But I’ve made a decision to not talk about Laurence in interviews, because of what I’ve said in the past.”

In 2021 – a year after her brother Freddie was reportedly spat at in the street over their cousin’s views – Emilia told The Times: “We’ve had very different life experiences and Laurence’s political life is nothing to do with my relationship with him. We’ve had some amazing times together and we’ve been very mutually supportive of our personal lives.”

Asked if she was worried about him, the Silent Witness actor replied: “Why should I be worried? What are the things you are worried about?”

Freddie, meanwhile, has been direct in his criticism of Laurence. “I fundamentally and completely oppose Laurence’s political views and the way he chooses to express them,” he told The Independent in 2023. “His views both shock and appall me. And that’s all I’ve got to say about it. It’s not something I relish talking about.”

Laurence’s last acting project was a 2022 film distributed by far-right website Breitbart, in which he played Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.

Prior to his pivot to politics, Laurence was best known for playing Detective Sergeant James Hathaway in the ITV drama Lewis. His credits also include Gosford Park, Victoria and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Laurence began becoming increasingly involved in political commentary in early 2020 and launched his Reclaim Party later that year, before unsuccessfully standing for London mayor in 2021.

Earlier this year, he stood against Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election and, having received less than 500 votes, lost his £500 deposit.