Natalie Dormer declines to promote Sarah Ferguson drama ‘The Lady’, following Epstein revelations

Actress Natalie Dormer has announced that she will not be participating in the promotion of The Lady, an upcoming ITV and BritBox drama in which she portrays Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. The decision follows the emergence of a leaked 2011 email suggesting continued ties between Ferguson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, despite her earlier public statements distancing herself from him.

In a statement to Variety, Dormer explained her decision, citing a moral conflict with new information that had surfaced since filming concluded. “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,” Dormer said. She added that although the script called for portraying a nuanced version of Ferguson, she could no longer support the project in good conscience.

Dormer also confirmed she had donated her full salary from the series to two UK-based charities focused on child abuse: the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, which is hosted by Barnardo’s. “In keeping with my commitment to the well-being of children, I have donated my entire salary,” Dormer stated.

The controversy centers on an email Ferguson reportedly sent to Epstein in 2011, published recently, in which she offered a “humble apology” for distancing herself publicly. The message appears to contradict previous remarks in which she described her past financial dealings with Epstein as a “gigantic error of judgment.”

Produced by Left Bank Pictures (The Crown), The Lady is a four-part series dramatizing the story of Jane Andrews, Ferguson’s former personal assistant, who was convicted of murdering her boyfriend in 2001. The series, also starring Mia McKenna-Bruce and Ed Speleers, is slated for release in late 2025 or early 2026.

Dormer emphasized her decision was not a criticism of the production team, saying she had a positive experience working with Left Bank Pictures.

Following the email leak, several charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust and the British Heart Foundation, cut ties with Ferguson. A spokesperson claimed the email was intended to appease Epstein amid threats of legal action.