The Crown 's Josh O'Connor has slammed the culture secretary's call for a fiction disclaimer to be added to the popular Netflix programme.
O'Connor, 30, who plays Prince Charles on the royal drama, hit back at the disclaimer calls and branded them "outrageous".
The new series is focussed on when Diana, Princess of Wales (Emma Corrin) becomes a member of the royal family.
Since the new season first aired, it has received some criticism due to the drama, despite it being a work of fiction.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, had asked Netflix to add a disclaimer, but the US company denied his call.
O'Connor told the LA Times' The Envelope podcast: "We were slightly let down by our culture secretary, whose job it is to encourage culture.
"In my opinion, it's pretty outrageous that he came out and said what he said.
"Particularly in this time when he knows that the arts are struggling and they're on their knees, I think it's a bit of a low blow."
He continued: "My personal view is that audiences understand."
"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", the actor added.
Netflix said it had "no plans – and sees no need" to add a disclaimer.
Royal commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, revealed he fears The Crown could cause "hurt" if it covers Princess Diana's death on the programme.
He urged the show to ensure the 1997 crash is accurately portrayed if they decide to feature it.
Fitzwilliams told Daily Star: "There is no doubt that personally – and I don't know whether it will be next series or the last series – I think it will be very hurtful.
-
The Crown slammed by Palace for 'sinister' tweet as Netflix accused of 'trolling'
-
The Crown casting royals as 'vicious mafia' with Queen 'cold and uncaring' blasts expert
"I don't know the context in which this is going to be handled, but I can only say I don't have any confidence given what we have just seen in the fourth."
He added: "For anything as sensitive as that, naturally, the whole point is that we know what happened.
"Chased by paparazzi who were lower than vermin, a drink-driver crashed the Mercedes and they weren't wearing seat belts, tragically.
"The whole point is that there are the recognised facts as to what happened and, if it is covered as I anticipate it would be, one would expect The Crown to stick to what I would call recognised facts."
Source: Read Full Article