- The Peaky Blinders actor appeared in court last month regarding the drug offenses.
Paul Anderson, renowned for his portrayal of Arthur Shelby in the acclaimed series “Peaky Blinders,” has been handed a legal penalty following an incident involving crack cocaine possession at a London pub on Boxing Day.
The actor, slated to reprise his role in the forthcoming film adaptation of the series, pleaded guilty to the charges on Thursday (25 January), prompting uncertainty regarding his involvement in the project.
Anderson’s encounter with law enforcement occurred when police responded to reports of crack cocaine fumes emanating from a pub restroom in Hampstead. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of crack cocaine, amphetamines, diazepam, and pregabalin in his possession.
He has been fined £1,345 for possession of class A and class B substances, along with two class C prescription drugs.
During the court proceedings, Anderson’s lawyer, Moira MacFarlane, attributed his actions to his tendency to embrace the persona of his Peaky Blinders character, Arthur Shelby, when interacting with fans. She emphasized that Anderson had not been smoking crack cocaine in the pub but succumbed to peer pressure.
The incident has raised concerns about Anderson’s involvement in the Peaky Blinders film, with insiders suggesting it could have significant repercussions for the production. While the screenplay is still in development, Anderson’s pivotal role in the series and the film’s storyline present challenges for the project’s continuity. Options are being explored, including potential alterations to the script or Anderson’s role in the film, but uncertainties remain regarding its future prospects.
