Actress Natalie Dormer has stepped back from promoting the new drama series ‘The Lady,’ which portrays the life of Sarah Ferguson, after new information came to light about Ferguson’s 2011 email that referred to Jeffrey Epstein as a ‘supreme friend.’ The email, which has been widely shared and discussed, has prompted widespread condemnation of Ferguson’s past behavior and her association with Epstein, a controversial figure who was convicted of sex trafficking. Dormer, who plays the role of Ferguson in the ITV and BritBox series, expressed her concern over the new revelations, stating that they conflicted with her personal values and made it impossible for her to continue promoting the project.
In her statement, Dormer highlighted her commitment to portraying Sarah Ferguson with nuance and honesty, acknowledging the complexities of the character’s journey. She also reiterated her dedication to the well-being of children, stating that she has decided to donate all her earnings from the project to charities supporting abused children, including the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (hosted by Barnardo’s). This move underscores her efforts to contribute to causes she believes in, even as she distances herself from the controversy surrounding the show.
The controversy over Ferguson’s email to Epstein has drawn renewed attention to her past actions and the fallout from her relationship with the disgraced financier. The email was revealed after she was dropped by several charities following its public release. Organizations such as Julia’s House, a children’s hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation all distanced themselves from Ferguson, citing the email as a reason for their decision. Despite her claims that the email was sent under pressure from legal threats and to prevent defamation lawsuits, many have criticized her public statements and her past associations, particularly given the severe consequences of Epstein’s crimes.
Ferguson’s situation highlights the ongoing impact of her past actions on her public image and the organizations she was linked with. The controversy surrounding her relationship with Epstein has also raised questions about the public’s perception of high-profile individuals, particularly those in the entertainment industry, and their associations with controversial figures. As the scandal continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the long-lasting repercussions that can result from such incidents, especially in an era where public scrutiny and social media can rapidly amplify and expose past behavior.