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The 1996 movie that had Meryl Streep issuing death threats: “If she gets it, I’ll rip her throat out”
Meryl Streep’s reported “death threat” was an exaggerated expression of frustration after she lost the lead role in the 1996 musical film Evita to Madonna. Streep had spent about a year preparing to play Eva Perón when the project stalled and changed direction, making the eventual casting a bitter disappointment for her.
The film had endured years of difficult development, with several directors and performers considered before Madonna secured the part. Streep later said she could “rip her throat out” and claimed she could sing better, reflecting her anger at losing a role she had invested heavily in rather than a literal threat.
In short
- Streep lost Evita’s lead role to Madonna after lengthy preparation.
- Her violent remark was an expression of professional disappointment.
- Evita reached cinemas in 1996 with Madonna starring.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
This reflects understandable human frustration following a significant professional disappointment. After investing a year preparing for a major role, losing it to another actress would naturally provoke anger, and hyperbolic venting is a common response to such setbacks. The statement's exaggerated nature—evident from her later claim she could sing better—indicates emotional release rather than genuine threat, and the absence of any subsequent violent action demonstrates it was frustration rather than intent.
The case against
Public figures bear responsibility for their rhetoric regardless of emotional state. Expressing a desire to harm another person, even hyperbolically, normalises violent language and sets a poor standard for discourse. Professional disappointment, however acute, does not justify statements that literally describe violence. The context of her frustration may explain the outburst but does not eliminate the fact that such language remains unacceptable regardless of celebrity status or circumstances.
Explained simply
Evita is a musical about Eva Perón, an actor who became the influential first lady of Argentina. The story follows her rise from a poor childhood to national prominence, and the film adaptation was based on the stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
The film spent years in development, with different directors and actors considered for the lead. Meryl Streep prepared for the role for about a year, but the project stalled and Madonna was eventually cast as Eva Perón. Streep’s reported remark reflected her frustration at losing a part she had invested heavily in.