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Many of Britain’s notable entertainment figures were shocked upon hearing that the country had decided to pull itself from the European Union. Thursday’s vote on Brexit – the name given to the decision if the United Kingdom should remain a member of the E.U. – resulted in 52 percent in favor of departing and 48 percent wanting to stay.
The bitterly divided nation’s choice could leave the county’s economy and government in disarray and unleash unforeseen consequences that have many in Hollywood worried. The results of the referendum resulted in a slew of negative feelings from the entertainment industry’s well-known players. Ricky Gervais posted various comments on Twitter, even joking about Donald Trump.
The UK may be in economic crisis but at least Donald Trump has turned up.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) June 24, 2016
Terrible day for Britain. Great day for Twitter though. So, every cloud.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) June 24, 2016
Joking aside, Brexit won't make any difference.
The rich will still be rich, the poor will still be poor, and we'll still blame foreigners.— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) June 24, 2016
Hugh Laurie tweeted, “England fans will be paying 25 quid for a bottle of beer by Monday.”
First hairline crack in the plasterwork: England fans will be paying 25 quid for a bottle of beer by Monday.
— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) June 24, 2016
J.K. Rowling, who has been very vocal about her opinions, tweeted “Goodbye, UK,” adding “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted more magic.”
Goodbye, UK. https://t.co/HMRA0AnlWR
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016
“The Late Late Show” host James Corden couldn’t believe what happened tweeting, “I can’t get my head around what’s happening in Britain.I’m so sorry to the youth of Britain. I fear you’ve been let down today.”
Piers Morgan stated that nobody “knew nothing.”
Pollsters knew nothing, City knew nothing, bookies knew nothing.
Nobody knew anything. #EUreferendum— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 24, 2016
Jane Tranter, of the production company Bad Wolf also stated, “The news is bleak. Like many I am embarrassed and ashamed of how our politicians, on all sides and all parties, have handled this referendum. From a practical and cultural point of view, the U.K. television industry is today steeling itself to working with Europe from a position of isolation and unknown financial future and regulation.”
Danny Perkins, CEO of distribution and production company Studiocanal U.K. said in a Variety article, “In terms of the film industry, there is a very immediate short-term effect in terms of currency in that most [movie-acquisition] deals are done in dollars, and a lot of European film deals are done in euros. That’s going to mean that the ability to pay, for the U.K. companies, is going to be affected quite dramatically, so that is going to hurt companies. And also, the ability to deliver revenues on international films is going to be affected.
“The fact that the U.K. won’t have a seat at the table for any discussion on the E.U.’s Digital Single Market [strategy] is going to have a big effect on the independent sector.”
READ MORE: Brexit Fallout: ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Star Wars,’ and Oscar Favorites Could Face Trouble
“Warcraft” helmer, Duncan Jones, also spoke out about the decision by posting a comical tweet.
Suggest everyone in Britain go to their bookshops & order their New Britain users guide tomorrow morning. pic.twitter.com/lnhXvIfwpo
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) June 24, 2016
Not all were opposed to leaving the E.U. Michael Caine, John Cleese, Joan Collins and “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes were in favor, as well as Elizabeth Hurley who tweeted with joy:
And suddenly the birds are singing…..still glued to the TV though 🇬🇧 #Brexit
— Elizabeth Hurley (@ElizabethHurley) June 24, 2016
Here are more reactions from British stars:
Very disappointed to hear the verdict of the Referendum. Can't believe that Britain is leaving the European Union. Feels so wrong.
— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) June 24, 2016
Can the leavers please stop droning on about metric and imperial units. They don't actually affect the taste of beer or the length of roads.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) June 24, 2016
People of continental Europe. Don't worry. I'm fairly sure you'll still have us to help out in the morning.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) June 23, 2016
As a Brit living in US, I've always been a little smug that our country didn't have such madness…Trump/NRA etc.We're above it. Not anymore
— Ben Winston (@benwinston) June 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/Alancumming/status/746297095297064960
We may as well elect Trump over here pic.twitter.com/Ty14gW5kel
— lena headey (@IAMLenaHeadey) June 24, 2016
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