Readers React: Olivia de Havilland: When studios portray real people, they should do so fairly and truthfully

To the editor: Jennifer Rothman grossly mischaracterizes my lawsuit and my position in her March 1 op-ed article, “What does Olivia de Havilland have against Allison Janney?” I feel it is important to correct the record.

I have nothing against the actor Allison Janney. Similarly, in my dispute with FX for the series “Feud,” I have nothing against actor Catherine Zeta-Jones.

What I am vehemently opposed to is the attribution of outright fabrications to one’s character.

The creators of “Feud” not only used my identity without my consent, but they also put false words in my mouth, including my referring to my sister, Joan Fontaine, as a “bitch.” I certainly did not do so, as FX admits.

I have spent a good portion of my life defending the film industry. However, studios, which choose to chronicle the lives of real people, have a legal and moral responsibility to do so with integrity. They have a duty not to steal the value of an actor’s identity for profit. “Feud” failed in its professional duty to portray me fairly and truthfully. I am proud to be the standard bearer for other celebrities, who may not be in a position to speak out for themselves under similar circumstances.

What does Rothman have against me for protecting my name from sensational lies?

Olivia de Havilland, Paris

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