Claire Foy has disputed reports that she was offered back pay for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.
Back in April, it was reported that producers agreed to pay the award-winning actress £200,000 back pay after it was revealed that she was paid £10,000 less than than co-star Matt Smith - who played Prince Philip - per one-hour episode.
In a recent interview with Al Arabiya, Foy dismissed the claims: "That was what was reported that I was back-paid. I've never mentioned anything about it and neither have the producers. The fact that that is 'fact' - is not quite correct."
When the scandal graced the headlines, the 34-year-old previously admitted to finding the ordeal "embarrassing" but has learnt from the dispute.
"It happened at the same time as it was coming out with a lot of other people that there was a lot of pay inequality across the board - in the music industry, in journalism, in every industry," Foy continued. "I realised early on that me being quiet about it or me not thinking about it in any way, and not associating myself with it, would be harmful to me and also lots of other people. It’s taught me a lot, and I’m still learning about it."
The gender pay gap scandal first came to light during the INTV Conference when producers were asked if Smith received a greater wage packet than his female co-star.
Producers initially defended their decision, as a consequence to the actor's previous Doctor Who fame. But due to understandable outcry, the show's creative director, Suzanne Mackie, promised: "Going forward, no one gets paid more than the Queen".
But with filming for season three already underway and Olivia Colman now stepping into Her Majesty's block heels, it may prove too late.
