Josh O’Connor believesThe Crown’s audience understands that the show is a work of fiction.
The actor, who portraysPrince Charlesin the Netflix hit’s third and fourth seasons, reacted to U.K. government’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden requested the showadds a disclaimerto make it clear it is a drama based on the lives of real people.
Josh O’Connor.Magnus Sundholm/Shutterstock
“My personal view is that audiences understand,” he continued. “You have to show them the respect and understand that they’re intelligent enough to see it for what it is, which is pure fiction.”
Princess Diana and Prince Charles; Emma Corrin and Josh O’Connor.Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty; Des Willie/Netflix
Dowden encouraged Netflix to add a disclaimer before episodes ofThe Crownin a November interview withThe Mail onSunday, shortly after the fourth season — which focuses largely on the relationship betweenPrincess Dianaand Prince Charles — premiered.
Netflix retorted that they have"no plans" to add a disclaimer.
“We have always presentedThe Crownas a drama and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events,” the streaming service said in a statement on Saturday, according toThe Guardian. “As a result we have no plans, and see no need, to add a disclaimer.”
Diana’s brother, Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, spoke out about the show, agreeing that a warning for viewers is needed. He told a U.K. morning show that Netflix and the producers should be “honest with the consumer.”
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Helena Bonham Carter, who plays Princess Margaret in the series, also urged Netflix to make the clarifications to viewers.
“It is dramatized. I do feel very strongly, because I think we have a moral responsibility to say, ‘Hang on guys, this is not … it’s not a drama-doc, we’re making a drama.’ So they are two different entities,” she toldan official podcastfor the show, perThe Guardian.
source: people.com
