Meryl Streep furious with Karl Lagerfeld over 'cheapness' insult

  • 27/02/2017
Meryl Streep furious with Karl Lagerfeld over 'cheapness' attack
Meryl Streep; Karl Lagerfeld (Reuters)

Meryl Streep is furious with Karl Lagerfeld, who accused her of rejecting his Oscars gown in favour of another she was being paid to wear.

The famed Chanel creative director made the comments in an interview with WWD, including referring to the Out of Africa star as "a genius actress, but cheapness also, no?"

He has since stated he regrets the controversy and that he simply misunderstood, but Streep is seeking a full apology - at least.

"In reference to Mr Lagerfeld's 'statement', there is no 'controversy'. Karl Lagerfeld, a prominent designer, defamed me, my stylist, and the illustrious designer whose dress I chose to wear, in an important industry publication," Streep said in a statement.

"That publication printed this defamation, unchecked. Subsequently, the story was picked up globally, and continues, globally, to overwhelm my appearance at the Oscars, on the occasion of my record-breaking 20th nomination, and to eclipse this honour in the eyes of the media, my colleagues and the audience.

"I do not take this lightly, and Mr Lagerfeld's generic 'statement' of regret for this 'controversy' was not an apology. He lied, they printed the lie, and I am still waiting."

A representative for Streep discredited Lagerfield's initial comments as "completely untrue".

"Ms Streep would NEVER wear anything in exchange for payment."

Streep will find out if she has claimed another Academy Award with Florence Foster Jenkins later today (NZ time) when the ceremony takes place in Los Angeles.

Newshub.