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Emma Thompson 'urges hotel not to sack waiter over selfie request'

Actress Emma Thompson joins Extinction Rebellion demonstrators at Oxford Circus in London.
Emma Thompson has appealed for the waiter to keep their job (Credit: PA)

Dame Emma Thompson has come to the defence of a waiter who was suspended for asking one of her famous friends for a selfie.

The Nanny McPhee actress was eating out at Brown’s hotel in London’s Mayfair at the weekend when one of the waiting staff broke protocol by asking a celebrity in Thompson’s party who has not been identified, if they would pose for a photograph with them.

According to The Sunday Times Thompson - who has in the past been very outspoken about her dislike of selfies - politely declined on behalf of her companion, explaining that a photograph would be an intrusion.

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The five-star hotel - owned by Rocco Forte Hotels chain - has a strict policy against photography, and the senior waiter was reportedely suspended “until further notice”.

But when the newspaper approached Thompson for a comment, the actress was reportedly “horrified” to learn the waiter had been suspended.

Emma Thompson poses for a selfie with a fan as she attends the Children Act Premiere, London.
Emma Thompson poses for a selfie with a fan as she attends the Children Act Premiere last year (Credit: PA)

A representative for Thompson confirmed to Yahoo UK that she has since contacted the restaurant to ask for their job to be reinstated.

Brown’s said in a statement: “Caring a great deal for the privacy and wellbeing of both team members and guests, we are unable to make further comment on this matter.”

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Thompson is currently filming prequel movie Cruella on location in London with Emma Stone.

The 60-year-old actress is known to be against selfies.

At the Empire Awards in 2014 she said: "I wouldn't dream of taking a selfie with anyone. God almighty!

"That's to take narcissism to its unspeakable extremes," she continued, adding: "No, get a life, everyone. Just saying."