Documents discovered in the British Film Institute's archives reveal that Madonna, who starred as Eva Peron in the 1996 film "Evita," joined the film's crew in protesting a directive that required them to pay half of their laundry expenses. The petition, signed by Madonna, voiced disapproval of the new policy, which was set to take effect when filming resumed in Hungary after shooting in Argentina.
The crew expressed their dissatisfaction, stating in the petition that they "wish the company to pay for the laundry. As has been the case in Buenos Aires." The document is dated March 13, 1996, shortly after Madonna filmed the iconic "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" sequence.
At the time of filming "Evita," Madonna was a global superstar with numerous international hits. It is believed she signed the petition in solidarity with the crew. The protest was brought to the attention of a producer when a copy of the petition was found under a door with Madonna's signature, noted in an internal memo as "For your info – found under Wimbury’s door last night! Signed by Madonna!"
These papers also shed light on the frustrations of "Evita" director Sir Alan Parker regarding budget pressures, which he believed were negatively impacting cast and crew morale. In a letter to a producer, Sir Alan, who passed away in 2020, wrote about the need to address budget difficulties while trying not to sacrifice the film's quality or exhaust the crew.
Despite the on-set financial concerns, "Evita" achieved commercial success upon its release in December 1996, grossing £105 million at the box office and topping music charts worldwide with its soundtrack. The newly found documents are part of Sir Alan Parker's private papers held by the BFI.