The Crown bosses apologise to Matt Smith and Claire Foy over gender pay storm
Producers Left Bank Pictures recently confirmed Smith earned more because of his reputation
THE producers of The Crown have issued an apology to its leading actors Matt Smith and Claire Foy after they found themselves at the centre of a gender pay gap storm.
It was revealed that the former Doctor Who actor got more money for starring as Prince Philip in the first two series of the Netflix drama than Foy, 33.
Though she played The Queen, Left Bank’s producers Suzanne Mackie and Andy Harries recently confirmed that Smith, 35, earned a higher wage because of his larger reputation in the industry.
The company, who make the show which reportedly cost £97million, has now said sorry to both actors.
In a statement issued yesterday, they said: “We want to apologise to both Claire Foy and to Matt Smith, brilliant actors and friends, who have found themselves at the centre of a media storm this week through no fault of their own.
“The actors are not aware of who gets what, and cannot be held personally responsible for the pay of their colleagues.”
A petition was started encouraging Smith to donate the difference between his salary and Foy’s to the Time’s Up movement, which was created in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal.
Left Bank Pictures have also confirmed they will pay Olivia Colman, who will take over the role of The Queen in the third series, the same wage as Smith’s replacement, who has yet to be announced.
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Their statement said: “We all have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure that these issues are tackled, and as a leading production company we want to make our contribution to the debate.
“As company policy, we are engaged in conversations with ERA 50:50 and going forward are keen to talk to Times Up UK - organisations which are working to ensure all women have a voice.”