Additional Coverage:
- Natalie Dormer says she’ll no longer promote Fergie series The Lady after Epstein revelations (the-independent.com)
Natalie Dormer Halts Promotion of New Drama Over Sarah Ferguson’s Epstein Ties
Actress Natalie Dormer, known for her role as Margaery Tyrell in “Game of Thrones,” has announced she will no longer participate in promoting the upcoming ITV drama “The Lady.” Dormer portrays Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, in the series, which explores the life of former royal dresser Jane Andrews. Her decision comes in the wake of recent revelations regarding Ferguson’s past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy stems from a 2011 email sent by Ferguson to Epstein, in which she referred to him as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend.” In a statement, Dormer explained her stance, saying it has become “impossible” for her to reconcile her personal values with what she described as Ferguson’s “inexcusable” behavior.
“I knew portraying the script’s Sarah Ferguson would require nuance,” Dormer told Variety. “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.”
However, she continued, “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. For that reason, I will not be taking part in the promotion of the project.”
Further emphasizing her commitment, Dormer confirmed she has donated her entire salary from the project to child welfare organizations, specifically the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse.
Following the email’s disclosure, the Duchess of York has faced significant backlash, reportedly being dropped by seven charities who deemed her continued association “inappropriate.”
A spokesperson for Ferguson offered an explanation for the controversial email, stating it was sent after Epstein allegedly threatened to “destroy her” in a “Hannibal Lecter-style” phone call. Her representative told The Telegraph that Epstein had explicitly threatened to “destroy the York family” and the Duchess herself.
The Duchess had previously expressed remorse for her connection with Epstein in a March 2011 interview. However, reports indicate that little over a month later, she emailed Epstein, apologizing for her comments and conveying she felt “broken and lost” after being advised to distance herself from him.
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan federal jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.