Steve Martin breaks silence over claims of violence made by Miriam Margolyes

Steve Martin has responded to claims he was violent against co-star Miriam Margolyes while filming 1987 film Little Shop of Horrors.

It comes after outspoken British actor Margolyes claimed the Hollywood star struck her carelessly in what was supposed to be a fake punch, claiming that while Martin is 'undeniably brilliant,' he was 'horrid' to her during the filming of the movie.

The comedian has since denied the claims he was violent towards his co-star, admitting he was 'surprised' when he read her account of what happened in her memoir, Oh Miriam! Stories from an Extraordinary Life.

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In the movie, Martin starred as the sadistic biker Orin Scrivello, who Margolyes starred as his assistant. Together, the two actors shared one musical number titled Dentist, but sadly it appears it was a lot less fun to film than it was to watch - at least according to Margolyes' recollection.

In the book, 82-year-old Margolyes, who is known for always speaking her mind, said she was "hit all day by doors opening in my face; repeatedly punched, slapped and knocked down by an unlovely and unapologetic Steve Martin."

She went on to suggest that while the actor may have been Method acting, she always "came home grumpy with a splitting headache."

But now, Martin has decided to address the allegations.

"My memory is that we had a good communication as professional actors. But when it is implied that I harmed her or was in some way careless about doing the stunts, I have to object," Martin told The Hollywood Reporter

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"I remember taking extreme caution regarding the fake punch — the same caution I would use with any similar scene. There was never any physical contact between her and me, accidental or otherwise, in this scene or any other we shot."

The claims have also been refuted by the film's director, Frank Oz, who says he always rehearses physical action "in slow motion."

"The scene was supposed to include a fake punch. It’s puzzling what she’s talking about," he said. "It’s not the Steve I know or anyone knows. He’s always been professional and respectful of everyone on all of my shoots."