Jason Penrose says: "I was just trying to get her in my movie"

Dec. 2, 2024 - PRLog -- Aspiring screenwriter Jason Penrose's attempt to cast actress Claire Foy in his film turned into a nightmare involving accusations, an arrest, and a mental health evaluation. Penrose, now speaking out, calls the situation "a complete misunderstanding."

Penrose envisioned Foy, best known for her role in The Crown, as the perfect lead for his script. "I had already written the script, and it's been read and liked by some very notable people," he explains. Hoping to connect directly, Penrose visited Foy's residence, but the visit quickly escalated.

According to Penrose, Foy's ex-husband, Stephen Campbell Moore, was parked outside her house with a telephoto lens. "When I knocked on the door, her ex-husband started shouting at me, 'Stay away from my wife!' and then called the police," Penrose recalls. Shortly after, Penrose was arrested. "I wasn't doing anything wrong," he insists. "I wasn't threatening anyone. I just wanted to talk about a professional opportunity."

At the police station, Penrose says he was evaluated by two psychiatrists. "They decided I was mentally ill simply for saying I was a screenwriter and film producer," he explains. This resulted in him being placed on a Section 2 mental health hold, allowing for up to 28 days of psychiatric detention. "I was never a danger to Claire Foy or anyone else," he emphasizes. "This was a massive overreaction based on a misunderstanding."

Penrose believes the incident was part of a smear campaign connected to a competing film project. "They didn't want me to succeed or cast Claire Foy in my film," he says.

Despite the ordeal, Penrose remains committed to his project. "I'm not giving up," he says. "I'll find another actress and make this film happen." Reflecting on the experience, he states, "I was never a threat to Claire Foy. I'm innocent in all of this."