Netflix refuses to add disclaimer to The Crown over show’s historical inaccuracies
Critics have claimed that viewers are confusing the events in the hit drama as a real-life account of the royal family
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netflix has said it will not add a disclaimer to the beginning of episodes of The Crown to warn viewers that the series is a work of fiction.
Critics have pointed out that a number of key scenes are invented, including some in the recently released fourth season, expressing concern that audiences may not realise this.
Last week, culture secretary Oliver Dowden joined calls for the streaming giant to add a note at the beginning of each episode.
Helena Bonham-Carter, who currently stars as Princess Margaret, also said that Netflix had a “moral responsibility” to air the disclaimer.
However, a statement from Netflix to The Mail on Sunday said it is widely understood that The Crown is a work of fiction.
“We have always presented The Crown as a drama, and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events,” the statement said.
“As a result, we have no plans – and see no need – to add a disclaimer.”
Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, recently said he was concerned that viewers would “forget it’s fiction”.
“I think it would help The Crown an enormous amount if – at the beginning of each episode – it stated that: 'This isn't true, but it is based around some real events'. Then, everyone would understand it's drama for drama's sake,” he told ITV’s Lorraine.
“Obviously Netflix wants to make a lot of money and that's why people are in the business of making these things,” he added.
“I worry people do think that this is gospel, and that's unfair.”
The news comes after David Bowes-Lyon, a cousin of Princess Margaret, criticised an episode about two of the Queen Mother’s nieces, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, who were born with severe learning difficulties and placed in an institution.
While the show suggested Princess Margaret and the Queen were not aware of their cousins’ existence and believed they had died, Bowes-Lyon told The Telegraph that this was not the case, and that the episode had caused “frustration” within the royal family.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments