Natalie Dormer Won’t Promote “The Lady” Due to Controversial Email

Actress Natalie Dormer has decided to not promote her upcoming series, “The Lady,” following the revelation of a 2011 email from Sarah Ferguson where she referred to Jeffrey Epstein as her “best friend.” Dormer, who plays Ferguson in the upcoming ITV and BritBox drama, also mentioned that she donated her entire salary from the show to charities that focus on supporting children who have faced abuse.

In reflecting on her decision to join the project, Dormer expressed confidence in the scriptwriter, believing Ferguson’s layers would be represented well. But with new developments unfolding, she felt unable to reconcile Ferguson’s actions with her own values.

Ferguson had visited various charities after making comments praising Epstein, describing him as “a generous and great friend.” Following media scrutiny, Dormer remarked that aligning herself with these sentiments wasn’t feasible.

In her statements, Dormer committed to child welfare, indicating that her salary would support organizations like the National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) and the Barnardo’s-hosted Center of Specialist Knowledge on Child Sexual Abuse.

Ferguson’s email, which resurfaced after she condemned her association with Epstein in an interview, contained phrases of regret and a promise of distance from him. She had apparently been advised to use vague language concerning Epstein due to concerns over legal repercussions.

In the aftermath of the email’s publication, Ferguson has lost her roles as a patron for several charities, as organizations assessed her suitability moving forward. A representative from one charity highlighted that recent communications made it inappropriate for her continued involvement.

While the show “The Lady” is set to premiere in late 2025 or early 2026, Dormer’s choice to abstain from promotion certainly adds a layer of controversy to its release.