As Game of Thrones’ Margaery Tyrell, Natalie Dormer was surrounded by some unsavory characters, but a connection between her new series and the very real sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has seen the actress refuse to promote the show and donate all the money she made from her role in it to charity. The Lady, which is a production by The Crown producers Left Bank and will air on ITV and BritBox, stars BAFTA-winning How to Have Sex actress Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane Andrews, the former aide to the Royal Family who was convicted of murder. Dormer plays the role of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, while Outlander’s Ed Speleers plays Thomas Cressman, Andrews’ former partner who she was convicted of murdering in 2001. The cast is rounded out with Philip Glenister, Claire Skinner, Laura Aikman, Ophelia Lovibond, Mark Stanley, Daniel Ryan and Sean Teale. Following the publication of an email once sent to Epstein by Ferguson, in which she apologized to her “dear friend” for disowning him. In a statement (via Variety) Dormer issued a statement about how she will not be promoting the series.
“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. Since completing the project, new information has come to light that makes it impossible for me to reconcile my values with Sarah Ferguson’s behavior, which I believe is inexcusable. For that reason, I will not be taking part in the promotion of the project.
“In keeping with my commitment to the well-being of children, I have donated my entire salary from this project to the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (hosted by Barnardo’s).”

Jeffrey Epstein’s Presence is Still Being Felt 6 Years After His Death

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich Netflix

The case of Jeffrey Epstein did not end with his conviction on numerous sex offenses, or even with his subsequent death in prison. Instead, the story only began there, as those who had been friends with Epstein, or associated in other ways, scrambled to find a way to explain away their connections to the convicted criminal. Over the years, there have been many attempts to have files held on Epstein and the people who he hosted on Little St James, the place often dubbed Epstein Island, which was used for underage sex trafficking operations while under the disgraced financier’s ownership. Reportedly containing damning evidence about many high-profile celebrities and politicians, the files have so far not been made public, which has led to questions being asked by many. For her part, Sarah Ferguson’s limited connection to Epstein was enough for several children’s charities to sever ties with her in light of the recent email publication. Her spokesperson said that she “really regretted the association” with Epstein, and added that the email released last week was sent in order to “counter legal threats” made by him.

Headshot Of Natalie Dormer In The Game Of Thrones Final Season Premiere

Birthdate

February 11, 1982

Birthplace

Reading, England, UK