British actor Hugh Laurie apologises for what he says were “slightly drunken” posts on X responding to criticism of the TV series House. The original exchange began after a viewer who was watching the show for the first time said the series felt repetitive and far-fetched, describing a repeating pattern in which Dr Gregory House gives incorrect diagnoses, patients nearly die, and House eventually arrives at a correct diagnosis. Laurie replied that the structure works as “variations on a theme,” citing comparisons to artists such as J.S. Bach, Frida Kahlo and Henry Moore. As media coverage spread, the viewer later alleged she received abuse because of Laurie’s comments and wrote about it elsewhere. Laurie then posted directly to her, saying he was “very slightly drunk” and upset about something unrelated, and apologised for any backlash. He also acknowledged that the Bach/Kahlo/Moore references may have been a mistake. Additional responses followed on X as other users questioned whether Laurie should re-engage. House ran for eight seasons, ending in 2012, and is now available to stream on Channel 4.