Actress Natalie Dormer has announced that she will not promote the ITV series *The Lady* following the revelation of Sarah Ferguson’s apology to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Dormer, 43, who plays Ferguson in the drama, stated she would be donating her entire salary from the show to charities focused on child abuse. This decision came after it was revealed that Ferguson sent a message in April 2011 describing Epstein as a “supreme friend,” despite publicly disowning him in the media.
The apology email reportedly followed a chilling phone call in which Epstein threatened to destroy Ferguson’s family, according to The Telegraph.
In a statement to US outlet *Variety*, Dormer said:
“When I agreed to take the role in *The Lady*, I knew portraying the scripts about Sarah Ferguson would require nuance. People are layered, their journeys are full of highs and lows, and as an actor, my job is to lean into those elements and bring them to life with honesty and empathy.
Since completing the project, new information has come to light that makes it impossible for me to reconcile my values with Sarah Ferguson’s behaviour, which I believe is inexcusable. For that reason, I will not be taking part in the promotion of the project.
In keeping with my commitment to the wellbeing of children, I have donated my entire salary from this project to the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (hosted by Barnardos).”
*The Lady* is a four-part drama that follows the story of former royal dresser Jane Andrews, who was convicted of murder in 2001. Andrews is played by Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Several charities severed ties with the duchess, who is the ex-wife of Britain’s Prince Andrew, on Monday following the emergence of the correspondence.
Dormer also made it clear that her decision was not a reflection of her experience working with production company Left Bank. She added:
“They are an extraordinary company to collaborate with, and I’m grateful for the time we spent together.”
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.
ITV has been contacted for comment.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/natalie-dormer-will-not-promote-the-lady-due-to-duchess-of-york-epstein-apology-2-1811896.html