The Billy The Kid star (30) came under fire last month after making the remark at the Burberry’s spring/summer 2026 show during London Fashion Week.
Asked in a now-deleted social media video, which “British icon” he would like to see front the luxury brand, Blyth mixed up his nationalities.
“British icon I’d like to see in a Burberry campaign? Ooh, I mean, Cillian Murphy. Let’s say Cillian,” he said.
Murphy, of course, may be an icon but he’s from Cork.
Fans and fellow celebrities were quick to react, with Irish actor Eve Hewson simply commenting “Oh, boy” under a LadBible Ireland post about the clip.
Musician Imelda May added: “It usually goes like this: ‘I know you Irish are officially not British but… you kinda just are though aren’t you… like I know that you’re all ‘not’ but you all ‘are’ though.’”
Love Island star Greg O’Shea weighed in too, posting a vomit emoji.
Now, speaking at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of his new film Wasteman, Blyth said he was “embarrassed” when the topic was brought up and apologised profusely.
“Firstly, I’m so sorry to you and your people,” he said. “I’ve nothing but respect for the Irish and I love Cillian Murphy. I was so embarrassed – I was so jetlagged that I didn’t listen to the question properly and I just blurted it out.
“Oh my God, Cillian Murphy is never going to want to work with me,” he added with a laugh. “I genuinely was knackered and just not listening properly. I’ve learnt my lesson. Next time, critically hearing is an important thing.”
When told he might be allowed back into Cork after his apology, he smiled and said: “We’ll see – maybe a little while longer.”
Asked in a now deleted social media video, which ‘British icon’ he’d like to see front the Burberry brand, Tom Blyth, above, mixed up his nationalities. Photo: WireImage
News in 90 Seconds – October 20th
It isn’t the first time Murphy has had to correct people over his nationality. During an Inception press interview alongside Tom Hardy, the journalist introduced the pair as “British actors”.
Murphy instantly interjected: “Nah, I’m Irish.” The interviewer responded, “Yeah, I know, British.”
Murphy repeated firmly: “No, no, no, no, there’s a big difference.”
The Oppenheimer star has long been vocal about his pride in his heritage.
Speaking to press after winning his Baftas, he told reporters: “I’m a really proud Irishman. I have to say that, of course, I am. It means a lot to me to be Irish.”
Before quipping: “So I don’t know what else to say. Should I sing a rebel song?”
And when he made history at the 2024 Oscars as the first Irish-born actor to win Best Actor, Murphy said in his speech: “I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight,” before signing off with a heartfelt “Go raibh míle maith agat”.