The Crown’s Claire Foy was paid less than her co-star Matt Smith, it has been revealed.
Claire played the lead role of Queen Elizabeth in the hit Netflix series, while Matt played her on-screen husband, Prince Phillip, otherwise known as the Duke of Edinburgh.
Despite the fact that Claire played the lead and won a Golden Globe for her performance, she was paid less than her male co-star – due to Matt Smith’s Dr Who fame.
Claire, 33, was reportedly paid $40,000 (£28,000) per episode for the first two series, which followed Queen Elizabeth during the 1950s and 1960s.
Speaking at a television industry conference in Jerusalem, The Crown co-producer Suzanne Mackie insisted that the pay difference would be rectified.
“Going forward, no-one gets paid more than the Queen,” she said, according to Variety.
For the show’s third series, which will move into the 1970s, Olivia Colman will replace Claire as Queen Elizabeth. Prince Philip will also be played by a different actor.
Since the news of the pay disparity between Claire and Matt broke, many fans of The Crown has taken to social media to express their anger.
When you hear Claire Foy was paid less than Matt Smith for #TheCrown pic.twitter.com/fdt7WjHMVM
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) March 13, 2018
Claire Foy CARRIED your show on her shoulders oh my GOD PAY HER WHAT SHE DESERVES
— emmy (@cIairesfoy) March 13, 2018
Matt Smith was paid more for The Crown than Claire Foy. So just like!!!! Let that sink in!!!! pic.twitter.com/DC4B3iwlon
— A.B. (@AlannaBennett) March 13, 2018
anyone defending Matt Smith getting paid more than Claire Foy is a cop
— Nicole Cliffe (@Nicole_Cliffe) March 14, 2018
Claire Foy got paid less than Matt Smith for The Crown.
THE GODDAMN QUEEN CAN’T EVEN GET EQUAL PAY
— Jill Pantozzi ♿ (@JillPantozzi) March 13, 2018
get a grip people, this isn’t about Matt Smith. I don’t care he was in Doctor Who, I don’t care he was supposably more famous than Claire Foy. SHE IS THE CENTER OF THE SHOW. The Crown is all about her character, the show is a hit because of her. not him. HER.
— gabriela ???? (@hollygolightIy) March 14, 2018
Claire Foy won two fucking SAG Awards and one Golden Globe Award. Don’t say she didn’t get a equally payment because “she is not famous”… It’s a shame to see people using this argument.
— Claire Foy Fan (@clairefoyfan) March 14, 2018
The headlines read “CLAIRE FOY WAS PAID LESS FOR DOING THE SAME WORK ON ‘THE CROWN”. Well, excuse me, but Claire Foy WAS The Crown. Everyone else paled into insignificance. @netflix should be ashamed of themselves and award her a bonus to make up for their despicable decision. pic.twitter.com/5eFvZ0pkIV
— Karen Griffin Alonso (@KarenAnnAlonso) March 14, 2018
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