The Crown: Claire Foy responds to pay gap controversy
According to Deadline, the Golden Globe winner has finally spoken about the pay gap calling the whole thing “very odd” and that she was surprised to be at the center of something like this.
“Anything that I’m at the centre of like that is very very odd, and feels very, very out of ordinary. But I’m not [surprised about the interest in the story] in the sense that it was a female-led drama. I’m not surprised that people saw [the story] and went: ‘Oh, that’s a bit odd.’ But I know that Matt feels the same that I do, that it’s odd to find yourself at the centre [of something] that you didn’t particularly ask for.”
The pay gap was brought to light during a Deadline-hosted panel where EP Mackie implied that Foy was paid less than Smith during the first two seasons of the series. Foy and Smith were only ever suppose to be signed for two seasons as the series is choosing to replace the actors moving into season 3 because there will be a time jump and the characters will be older. Mackie also added that she believes that it is important for the Queen to be paid more.
The production company (Left Bank) also released a statement apologizing to both of the actors adding that Foy and Smith “have found themselves at the center of a media storm this week through no fault of their own”.
This controversy sparked an outrage where many people called for Smith and Netflix to donate the difference in paychecks to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. The petition received more than 22,000 signatures and trended on social media as fans expressed their thoughts. This included Foy’s co-star Jared Hill, who plays King George VI, gave this two cents to the situation.
“I understand Left Bank made an apology but, you know, an apology and a check would be more welcome. She worked longer hours. Her performance is a huge reason why this thing is going to have a season three, four, five, and six. Send her a paycheck and – in retrospect – bring pay up to parity”.
Netflix has mentioned that moving forward the actress that plays the Queen will be paid more. Playing Queen Elizabeth II for season three and four will be Emmy-nominated actress, Olivia Colman.
The Crown will return soon for Season 3 on Netflix. For more news related to The Crown, be sure to visit this link. If you want to stay up to date with all of our coverage of The Crown an easy way to do that is to join our official CarterMatt Facebook page.
This story was written by Samantha D’Amico. If you want to follow her on Twitter, you can do so at SAM_iamXO. (Photo: Netflix)