Netflix has “no plans” to feature a disclaimer to “The Crown” stating that its lavish drama about Britain’s royalty may be a work of fiction.
In a statement Saturday, Netflix said it is often presented the drama, as just that — a drama.
“We have always presented The Crown as a drama — and that we have every confidence our members understand it’s a piece of fiction that’s broadly supported historical events,” it said.
“As a result we’ve no plans — and see no need — to feature a disclaimer.”
Netflix was urged last week by British Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to feature the disclaimer, within the wake of the printed of the drama’s fourth series.
Questions of historical fidelity weren’t a significant issue during earlier seasons of the show, which debuted in 2016 and traces the long reign of Queen Elizabeth , which began in 1952.
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But the present fourth season is about within the 1980s, a divisive decade in Britain. Characters include Conservative Prime Minister Thatcher , whose 11-year tenure transformed and divided Britain, and thus the late Diana , whose death during a car crash in 1997 transfixed the state and therefore the world.
Some Conservatives have criticized the program’s depiction of Thatcher, played by Gillian Anderson. Britain’s first female prime minister, who died in 2013, is portrayed as clashing with Olivia Colman’s Elizabeth to an extent that some say is exaggerated.
“The Crown” creator Peter Morgan, whose work also includes recent-history dramas “The Queen” and “Frost/Nixon,” has defended his work, saying it’s thoroughly researched and true in spirit.
Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, was one who called on Netflix to feature a disclaimer.
“I think it’d help The Crown an enormous amount if, at the beginning of each episode, it stated that, ‘This isn’t true but it’s based around some real events,’” he told broadcaster ITV. “I worry people do think that this is often often gospel and that’s unfair.”
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