Dominic West addresses the 'absurd' controversy over Lily James photos

British actor Dominic West recently discussed the controversy surrounding photos of him with his former co-star Lily James in 2020. He described the situation as “absurd” and “deeply stressful” for his family.

During an interview with the Sunday Times, the "The Wire" actor mentioned that the incident was particularly tough on his wife, Catherine FitzGerald. Despite the difficulties, he shared that they sometimes find humor in the situation.

In 2020, pictures surfaced of actors West and James hanging out at a restaurant and riding an electric scooter together in Rome, Italy.

After the photos went public, West and FitzGerald stood outside their house for the media, holding a paper with a message written by hand: “Our marriage is solid and we are still happily together. Thank you.”

Whenever we went out together, the papers would always say we were ‘putting on a show of unity.’ Even if we’d just been rowing about parking the car or whatever, even if that couldn’t be further from the truth,” West told the Sunday Times.

“So, when we go out, we kind of joke and say, ‘Should we go and put on a show of unity up in London?’”

"It was a ridiculous situation that caused a lot of stress for my wife and kids," West shared with a British newspaper. Despite the difficulties, there were also some moments of levity.

Reflecting on the media chaos surrounding the incident, West found a way to incorporate that experience into his acting career. He drew from it while playing the role of then-Prince Charles in Netflix's "The Crown."

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Elizabeth Debicki and Emma Corrin attend "The Crown" Finale Celebration at The Royal Festival Hall on December 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Elizabeth Debicki and Emma Corrin were seen attending "The Crown" Finale Celebration at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England on December 05, 2023. The event was a star-studded affair with many celebrities in attendance.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

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The actors from 'The Crown' wrap up Netflix's royal drama series. One of the actors shared, "I know exactly how it feels when your name or picture shows up in the news. It's like time stops and you feel exposed."

In a recent interview, the actor reflected on his past experiences that influenced his approach to filming 'The Crown'. He mentioned how the feeling of horror is something that never goes away.

James also touched upon the challenges of being in the public eye and dealing with media attention. He shared that many women in the spotlight face difficulties balancing their privacy with their lives being constantly in the tabloids. He described it as a common struggle throughout history.

West is set to star in Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer.

Editor's P/S:

Dominic West's recent reflections on the media frenzy surrounding his personal life offer a poignant insight into the toll that public scrutiny can take on individuals and their families. The actor's description of the situation as "absurd" and "deeply stressful" underscores the intrusive and often damaging nature of tabloid journalism. The fact that West and his wife felt compelled to publicly display their unity in the face of relentless speculation highlights the pressure that celebrities face to conform to societal norms and expectations.

West's experiences have also informed his portrayal of Prince Charles in "The Crown," adding a layer of authenticity to his performance. His understanding of the feeling of being exposed and vulnerable in the public eye has undoubtedly enriched his portrayal of a complex historical figure who has faced similar challenges. The actor's reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the privacy of individuals, particularly those in the public eye, and the potentially devastating consequences of unchecked media intrusion.