Claire Foy Responds to The Crown Pay Disparity

Claire Foy has responded to reports that she was paid less than co-star Matt Smith for her work on Netflix's The Crown.

The actress, who has won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II on the hit series, toldEntertainment Weekly that she's "not surprised" the news struck such a nerve with audiences, especially at a time when the mistreatment of female actresses has become such a hot button issue in Hollywood.

"I'm surprised because I'm at the center of it, and anything that I'm at the center of like that is very, very odd, and feels very, very out of the ordinary," Foy told EW. "But I'm not [surprised] in the sense that it was a female-led drama. I'm not surprised that people saw [the pay disparity] and went, 'Oh, that's a bit odd.' But I know that Matt feels the same that I do, that it's odd to find yourself at the center that you didn't particularly ask for."

Earlier this month, Varietyreported on the pay disparity between Foy and Smith, prompting responses from the fan community that ranged from absolute ire to mild discontent over the issue. Some argued that the initial wage gap was understandable, given Smith's heightened small screen profile from Doctor Who. Heading into its third season, however, executives promised, "Going forward, no one gets paid more than the Queen." That might be a boon for incoming star Olivia Colman, but it doesn't help Foy much.

Even so, Foy seems to bear no ill will for the series, adding that even with Colman in her old role, "I'll be asking to see it earlier than it's available. I can't wait to see it. I think Olivia Colman's amazing."