Steve Martin Refutes Actress Miriam Margolyes' Claims From 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Steve Martin has responded to Miriam Margolyes' claim that he was "horrid" to her on the set of "Little Shop of Horrors."

The actress shared in a recent interview that her former co-star had struck her while filming a fake punch scene. She also mentioned that he had done it multiple times in order to achieve a perfect shot.

Responding to her claims, Martin said he took "extreme caution" during the fake punch scene and in no way harmed Margolyes.

Martin had previously revealed that he plans to retire from the acting industry after the wrap of his series, "Only Murders in the Building."

Keep on reading to learn more.

In a statement to Us Weekly, Martin revealed that he was "surprised" after reading his former co-star's claim that he was "horrid" to her while they were filming a scene in "Little Shop of Horrors."

Margolyes claimed that in the scene, her character was "punched" by Martin, and he required multiple takes to achieve the desired result.

In response, Martin disputed the actress's "pejorative account" by clarifying that the scene involved a fake punch. He further emphasized that he exercised "extreme caution" during the part in question and in no way caused Margolyes any harm.

"When I first read Miriam Margolyes' pejorative account of our scene in Little Shop of Horrors, I was surprised," the American comedian told the publication.

He then recounted his own version of the scene, saying, "I remember taking EXTREME caution regarding the fake punch – the same caution I would use with any similar scene."

In his defense, Martin pointed out that he was not the sole presence on the set and asserted that the other cast and crew members could corroborate his account.

He said, "Also on the set, keeping their eyes on the action, was the highly skilled and sensitive director, Frank Oz, a stunt coordinator, a camera crew, a script supervisor, as well as extras who witnessed the entire, very-well rehearsed scene."

Oz also supported Martin, telling US Weekly that he found what Margolyes said "puzzling" as he always "rehearses physical actions in slow motion."

He added, "The scene was supposed to include a fake punch. It's puzzling what she's talking about," Oz 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."

Margolyes had earlier told News.com Australia that her experience with Martin on set was "vile."

"I just thought he was rather horrid. He was a c**t, that's all I can tell you," Margolyes told the news outlet while promoting her new book, Oh Miriam! Stories from an Extraordinary Life.

Concerning the supposed punch scene, she explained that it had made her feel very uneasy and that she had a "splitting headache" after they finished filming.

"I didn't enjoy it, and I had a splitting headache at the end of the day," she shared about the scene where she portrayed a cynical dental nurse while Martin played a sadistic dentist.

The allegations were also reflected in her memoir, which is set to be released sometime next year.

Margolyes' allegations against the former stand-up comedian come after he revealed his plans to retire from film and television after the completion of his current project, "Only Murders in the Building."

"When this television show is done, I'm not going to seek others," Martin told The Hollywood Reporter about his intentions. "I'm not going to seek other movies. I don't want to do cameos. This is, weirdly, it."

It is unclear when Martin's retirement will begin, as season three of "Only Murders in the Building" debuted on August 8. Additionally, the showrunners have yet to share details about the future of the series.

When it does happen, Martin will be leaving behind an extensive collection that spans stand-up comedy to blockbuster films and television shows. He is also the recipient of numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an Honorary Academy Award.