The Crown producers apologize to Claire Foy and Matt Smith over equal pay controversy

Variety

Left Bank pictures, the production company behind the acclaimed Netflix series, released a lengthy statement offering its apology following the furor over the revelation that despite her leading role, Foy earns less than supporting actor Smith.  But there was no talk about any further action. “We want to apologize to both Claire Foy and to Matt Smith, brilliant actors and friends, who have found themselves at the center of a media storm this week through no fault of their own. Claire and Matt are incredibly gifted actors who, along with the wider cast on The Crown have worked tirelessly to bring our characters to life with compassion and integrity,” Left Bank said. "As the producers of The Crown, we at Left Bank Pictures are responsible for budgets and salaries; the actors are not aware of who gets what, and cannot be held personally responsible for the pay of their colleagues.” Foy, Smith and Netflix haven't reacted publicly to last week's news, which has sparked a petition for Smith to donate some of his salary to Time's Up.