Actress Fran Drescher, also the president of SAG-AFTRA, the prominent actors’ union in Hollywood, delivered a fiery address on Thursday.
She criticized studios for their unjust treatment of performers while commending Prince William for his leadership and empathy.
However, in her remarks, she appeared to slight Prince Harry, William’s estranged brother, by disregarding his royal status and suggesting he had forsaken his family responsibilities.
Drescher, renowned for her role as the nanny in the sitcom “The Nanny,” spoke at a press conference announcing the commencement of an actors’ strike that initiated on Monday following prolonged unsuccessful negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
She asserted that actors were being sidelined, disrespected, and dishonored by an evolving business model influenced by streaming services and artificial intelligence.
Drescher emphasized that actors stood in solidarity with writers who had been on strike since November over similar grievances.
Turning her focus to Prince William, the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Drescher applauded his support for the striking actors and writers.
She lauded William as a genuine prince, leader, and humanitarian who comprehended the significance and dignity of the creative industry.
Drescher praised William’s resilience and poise in confronting personal challenges and tragedies, including the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and the recent attempt on his father King Charles’ life.
Conspicuously absent from Drescher’s accolades was Prince Harry, William’s younger brother and former BAFTA patron.
Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle, relinquished their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California.
Drescher’s reference to Harry as Meghan and Harry Markle insinuated his detachment from the royal family.
This disregard for Harry, a veteran and founder of the Invictus Games, sparked widespread criticism on social media where users condemned Drescher for her perceived bias, impoliteness, and lack of awareness.
Some advocated for her removal from office and investigation for her actions.
Harry, who has refrained from addressing Drescher’s comments, resides in Montecito with Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Celebrating his 40th birthday recently, Harry is actively engaged in various projects alongside his wife, including the Archewell Foundation, a Spotify podcast, and a Netflix documentary series.
Anticipated to make a public appearance in London next month, Harry will participate in the unveiling of a statue honoring his mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Hall.