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The hit Netflix series “Bridgerton” has garnered acclaim for its diverse cast and portrayal of Regency-era romance.
However, season 3’s lead actress,Nicola Coughlan, recently faced online vitriol regarding her body image after appearing in steamy scenes.
Simone Ashley, who captivated audiences asKate Sharmain the same season, came to Coughlan’s defense at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
Ashley’s public display of support highlights the ongoing struggle against body-shaming in the entertainment industry.
In this article, we’ll explore the body-shaming “Brigerton” darling got
The “Bridgerton” Phenomenon and Body Positivity
The TV show “Bridgerton” has become very popular for many reasons, including its approach to beauty standards.
Traditionally, historical romance shows often feature slender, Eurocentric figures with perfect skin.
“Bridgerton” eliminates this by including a diverse cast that reflects different body types and ethnic backgrounds.
One notable character is Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan. She doesn’t fit the usual skinny heroine mold, and this choice by the showrunners has made a big impact.
For many viewers, especially women, seeing different body types on screen is a powerful message of acceptance and self-love.
It challenges the unrealistic beauty ideals we often see in the media and promotes body positivity.
“Bridgerton” also addresses body image issues directly. For example, in season 1,Marina Thompson, played byRuby Barker, deals withpregnancypressures.
This topic is rarely discussed in historical romance shows, making “Bridgerton” even more unique and relatable.
This representation allows viewers to connect with the characters deeper, making the story more engaging.
The show’s success shows that there is a strong demand for inclusive stories where all forms of beauty are celebrated.
The Controversy of Body-Shaming Comments Towards Nicola Coughlan!
Nicola Coughlan’s role as Penelope Featherington in “Bridgerton” season 3 was a big step forward for body positivity on TV.
However, this progress was overshadowed by a wave of online negativity about her appearance.
Many people made hurtful comments and likely harassed her online, creating a hostile environment for the actress. Not only this, articles were also published body-shaming her!
There are several reasons for this negativity. Society often values unrealistic body types, and some people might have felt uncomfortable seeing Coughlan, who doesn’t fit the typical mold of beauty, in a leading role.
These viewers are used to seeingslim,Eurocentric figuresin historicalromanceshows and might not know how to react to something different.
This discomfort often comes from deep-rooted biases or simply not seeing diverse body types in the media often enough.
No matter the reasons, the body-shaming comments directed at Coughlan are a big setback for inclusivity.
They show how hard it can be for actors who don’t fit traditional beauty standards to succeed, even in shows that promote diversity like “Bridgerton.”
These negative reactions highlight the challenges of breaking away from traditional beauty norms.
Even though “Bridgerton” aims to showcase a wider range of body types and ethnicities, there is still a long way to go in changing people’s perceptions.
Simone Ashley’s Defense for a Friend and Colleague
Simone Ashley, known for her role as Kate Sharma in “Bridgerton” season 3, strongly supported her co-star Nicola Coughlan at theMonte-CarloTelevision Festival.
Nicola, who plays Penelope Featherington, faced online body-shaming after appearing in some intimate scenes. Simone stood up to defend her friend powerfully.
Simone’s words were full of support and admiration. She acknowledged that Nicola had faced a lot of negativity but highlighted her resilience by saying, “The haters are going to hate… but I really don’t think she’s allowing that to bother her.”
Simone also praised Nicola’s strength and talent, calling her “absolutely flying” and an “inspiration.”
This public defense by Simone is very important. It clearly conveys that body-shaming is unacceptable within the “Bridgerton” cast or the entertainment industry.
Simone’s words support Nicola and inspire viewers who might have faced similarnegative attention.
The power of female friendships and solidarity is clear in this situation. It shows how important it is foractressesto support each other, especially in a field that often faces much scrutiny.
By standing up for Nicola, Simone helps create a safer and more inclusive environment in “Bridgerton” and the wider entertainment industry.
The Importance of Body Positivity and Representation
The body-shaming directed at Nicola Coughlan reminds us how harmful negative comments about weight and appearance can be.
Constant negativity can lead toanxiety,depression, and eveneating disorders. That’s why promoting body positivity and self-acceptance is so important.
To make this change, we must shift how the media portrays people. Showing diverse body types is essential.
“Bridgerton” has done a good job, but the entertainment industry needs to do more. Having just a few characters with different body shapes and sizes is insufficient.
By showing a wider range of bodies, viewers can see that beauty comes in many forms. This is especially important for young people who see unrealistic social media and TV images.
When we see diverse bodies on screen, we challenge the narrow beauty standards that have existed for too long.
Seeing characters who look like them helps viewers feel good about themselves, no matter their body type.
This can improve mental and physical health and create a positive impact that reaches beyond TV shows and movies.
Ashley’s Struggles and Moving Forward
Simone Ashley’s defense of Nicola Coughlan was more than just supporting a friend—it was powerful because of her own experiences as a woman of color in the media industry.
Ashley has openly talked about herchallenges, saying, “I have had to work twice as hard” as her peers.
This shows the difficulties women of color encounter, where talent alone may not be enough to get equal opportunities.
Ashley’s hope for a more inclusive future fits well with the message of “Bridgerton.” The incident with Coughlan brings back the important conversation about body image and representation.
It reveals the deep-rooted biases that create unrealistic beauty standards and highlights the need for more diversity on screen.
Social media platforms should have stricter rules against online harassment. Shows like “Bridgerton” can help promote body positivity through diverse casting and storylines.
Ashley’s defense could create a positive ripple effect. Future seasons of “Bridgerton” might show even more diversity in body types and ethnicities.
More importantly, it sets an example for the entire industry, encouraging actors and actresses to stand up against body-shaming and support inclusivity.
As Ashley said about Coughlan, “She’s flying,” and hopefully, her courage and Ashley’s support will inspire positive change in the entertainment industry.
Check out the “Brigderton” Season 2 sweet bond below!
Bridgerton Extended Talent Panel!
Conclusion
“Bridgerton” promotes body positivity by featuring diverse body types and challenging traditional beauty standards.
Nicola Coughlan faced body-shaming online, highlighting the persistence of harmful biases against non-traditional body types.
Simone Ashley’s public defense of Coughlan underscores the importance of solidarity and support among actors, especially women of color.
Seeing diverse bodies on screen helps viewers, especially young people, develop healthier self-images and counteract unrealistic beauty ideals.
The entertainment industry must continue to cast diverse actors and tell inclusive stories to foster a more realistic portrayal of beauty.
Stricter regulations on social media platforms are necessary to prevent online harassment and protect individuals from body-shaming.
Actions like Ashley’s defense of Coughlan can inspire a broader cultural shift towards acceptance and inclusivity, paving the way for positive changes in the industry.
Last Updated: June 27, 2024
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