LONDON, Apr 26: “The Crown” star Claire Foy says she felt embarrassed by the pay disparity controversy on the Netflix royal drama but she would not be “naive” about such things in future.
An executive of Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind “The Crown”, had revealed that Foy, who played Queen Elizabeth II on the popular series, was paid less than Smith despite being the lead star.
The 34-year-old British actor, who had previously admitted that she was not “surprised” by the backlash, said the whole pay gap revelation “opened her eyes”, according to The Telegraph.
“It definitely opened my eyes to a lot. And I certainly won’t be naïve about those things. It’s really opened my eyes about what I am allowed to have an opinion about, and what I’m allowed to stand up for myself about,” Foy said.
“And I think that’s really changed my approach to myself and other women in this industry. It’s been only a positive thing – even though, embarrassing,” she added.
Smith, who played Prince Philip in the show in the first two installments, had also opened up about the controversy recently.
“Claire is one of my best friends, and I believe that we should be paid equally and fairly and there should be equality for all. I support her completely, and Im pleased that it was resolved and they made amends for it because that what’s needed to happen.
“Going forward, I think we should all bear in mind that we need to strive to make this better and a more even playing field for everyone involved – but not just in our industry, in all industries,” Smith told The Hollywood Reporter, on the sidelines of the world premiere of his new biopic “Mapplethorpe” at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The roles of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) have all been recast with older actors ahead of the third season.
It is not clear whether Foy was compensated after the controversy even though Smith has hinted that amends were made. (PTI)
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