Natalie Dormer Withdraws Promotion for ‘The Lady’ Amid Epstein Controversy

Actress Natalie Dormer has announced that she will not participate in the promotion of the upcoming ITV series The Lady in response to a recent revelation regarding Sarah Ferguson and her controversial apology to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Dormer, who portrays Ferguson in the four-part drama, expressed her disapproval after it was reported that Ferguson had referred to Epstein as a “supreme friend” in a message sent in April 2011, despite publicly distancing herself from him.

The apology surfaced following a threatening telephone call from Epstein, during which he allegedly threatened to “destroy” Ferguson’s family. According to the Telegraph, this correspondence raises serious questions about Ferguson’s previous claims of disavowing Epstein.

In a statement to Variety, Dormer elaborated on her decision, stating, “When I agreed to take the role in The Lady, I knew portraying the script’s 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.”

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 behaviour, which I believe is inexcusable. For that reason, I will not be taking part in the promotion of the project.”

In alignment with her commitment to child welfare, Dormer announced that she would donate her entire salary from the series to the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, hosted by Barnardo’s.

The drama, which also stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane Andrews, focuses on the story of a former royal dresser convicted of murder in 2001. Following the emergence of Ferguson’s correspondence, several charities severed ties with her, highlighting the fallout from her past connections to Epstein.

Despite her decision, Dormer emphasized that her choice was “not a reflection” of her experience with the production company, Left Bank, stating, “They are an extraordinary company to collaborate with, and I’m grateful for the time we spent together.”

Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019. His death was ruled a suicide, further complicating the narrative surrounding his high-profile connections.

ITV has been contacted for comment regarding Dormer’s withdrawal from promotional activities. As the situation develops, the implications of Ferguson’s past associations with Epstein continue to resonate within the entertainment industry and beyond.