Three dames who starred in The Crown join Netflix’s calls to add a storyline disclaimer
Released: 6:17pm EDT, Oct. 22, 2022 | Updated: 6:29 PM EDT, Oct. 22, 2022
Three ladies of the British Empire who starred in The Crown have said Netflix needs to add an onscreen disclaimer making it clear that the royal drama’s explosive storylines are fiction rather than historical fact.
The call from Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Harriet Walter and Dame Janet Suzman, who have been named DBEs for their service to drama, comes after a number of public figures have already called on the US streaming giant to act.
Last week Sir John Major denounced The Crown in this newspaper as “a barrelload of malicious nonsense”. And just days ago, Dame Judi Dench branded it “raw sensationalism” and urged Netflix to add a disclaimer.
The call from Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Harriet Walter and Dame Janet Suzman, who have been named DBEs for their service to drama, comes after a number of public figures have already called on the US streaming giant to act
Dame Harriet Walter and Dame Janet Suzman both played roles on the hit series, arguing that the series needed to recognize their obligation to act
Last night Dame Eileen, who played Queen Mary in the first series, said: “My friends in America tell me that a lot of people there think it’s a documentary. Most of the time, when you talk about real people, you say that this is fiction based on fact. I don’t know why this didn’t happen.’
Dame Harriet, who played Sir Winston Churchill’s wife Clementine, said: “People have believed Shakespeare’s version of Richard III for centuries, but no one lives to object on his behalf. In contrast, there are many people alive today who could be hurt if they think the public could believe it.’
This newspaper has spearheaded the campaign for Netflix to recognize its commitment to action.
Dame Janet, who played a literary agent in series four, said “This is clearly fiction and people need to know.”
Jemima Khan, who worked on the show until she broke ties with her last year over the portrayal of her friend Princess Diana, said: “There should be a disclaimer in all episodes.”
Last week, Netflix released a new trailer, accompanied by an online statement acknowledging that the drama is a “fictional dramatization.”
But so far it has refused to add a similar statement on TV.
The new series, which covers John Major’s prime ministership and Prince Charles and Diana’s split, is set to be the most controversial yet
The new series, which covers John Major’s prime ministership and Prince Charles and Diana’s split, is set to be the most controversial yet. It contains scenes without any foundation, including Charles deputizing Major for his mother’s abdication – prompting Sir John to make a rare public intervention last week.
The demand for a liability waiver was backed by big names in British drama. Sir Patrick Stewart told the MoS: “Dame Judi’s comments are absolutely correct.” And Jenny Agutter said, “It’s important to make sure people are aware that they’re seeing a fictionalized version of real people’s lives.”
Downton Abbey actress Dame Penelope Wilton said: “Rumors and innuendos are nothing but trouble and there are enough of those at the moment.”
Felicity Kendal said, “If this series were made about another family, there would be a libel case in court.”
And historian Lady Antonia Fraser said: “I firmly believe that there is a difference between history and fiction. It shouldn’t be blurry. Netflix should make it clear to viewers at the beginning of each episode that it is fiction. They can then proceed with their most pleasurable [fictional] Series.’
