Natalie Dormer has announced her decision to donate her salary from the portrayal of Sarah Ferguson in the upcoming miniseries The Lady, following the resurfacing of controversial emails involving Ferguson and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The actress stated that she could not reconcile her values with those of Ferguson, who is the former wife of Prince Andrew.
In a statement to Variety, Dormer expressed her discomfort with Ferguson’s behavior, saying, “Since completing the project, new information has come to light that makes it impossible for me to reconcile my values with Sarah Ferguson’s behavior, which I believe is inexcusable.” She emphasized that this decision is not a reflection of her experience with the production company, Left Bank Pictures, which she praised as “an extraordinary company to collaborate with.”
Donation to Charities Following Controversy
In a strong show of solidarity with victims of abuse, Dormer confirmed she would donate her entire salary from the project to two UK-based charities: the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse. This decision comes in response to reports detailing Ferguson’s past correspondence with Epstein, which raised serious ethical concerns.
In the leaked emails, Ferguson reportedly apologized to Epstein in 2011 for distancing herself from him. She described their relationship as a “gigantic error of judgement” and expressed remorse for any disappointment she may have caused him. In the email, she referred to Epstein as “a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and family,” highlighting the complex and troubling nature of their association.
Dormer’s portrayal of Ferguson in The Lady has drawn significant attention, as the miniseries chronicles the life of Jane Andrews, a former royal dresser convicted of murder in 2001. The series is set to explore the intricacies of royal life, but the recent controversies have cast a shadow over its promotion.
Artistic Integrity and Personal Values
Dormer acknowledged the challenges of taking on a role like Ferguson, stating, “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.” Her commitment to portraying complex characters is evident; yet, the new details surrounding Ferguson compelled her to take a stand.
As the discussion around Ferguson and her past associations continues, Dormer’s decision highlights the responsibilities that come with public roles in the entertainment industry. By distancing herself from the promotion of The Lady, she aims to align her professional choices with her personal ethics.
The impact of this situation is being closely monitored as the series approaches its release, with viewers and industry professionals alike questioning the implications of such high-profile connections. Dormer’s actions may set a precedent for how actors navigate similar dilemmas in the future.
In summary, while Dormer has chosen to step back from promoting The Lady, her commitment to supporting survivors of abuse through her donation reflects a growing awareness and responsibility within the industry. The situation underscores the complex intersections of celebrity, ethics, and personal values in today’s entertainment landscape.
