"Not Hot Enough for Romance?": The Spectator's Offensive Take on Bridgerton's Leading Lady Ignites a Firestorm
Hold onto your bonnets, Bridgerton fans, because the ton is in an uproar! A recent article in The Spectator has sparked widespread condemnation for its blatantly sexist and fatphobic attack on Nicola Coughlan, the beloved actress who plays Penelope Featherington.
The article, penned by Zoe Strimpel, takes aim at the show's central romance between Penelope and Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton), arguing that Coughlan's appearance makes her an implausible love interest.
"Reader, she is not hot, and there is no escaping it," Strimpel writes, her words dripping with disdain. She goes on to argue that Coughlan's physique makes her an unsuitable romantic lead, claiming that viewers will find it unbelievable that a "handsome, rich aristocrat" like Colin would fall for someone who isn't "shapely."
"Disgusting," "Vile," "Horrific": Bridgerton Fans Rally Around Nicola CoughlanADVERTISEMENT
The response to Strimpel's article was swift and furious, with fans and celebrities alike taking to social media to express their outrage and support for Coughlan.
"The Spectator can shove their archaic views where the sun don't shine," wrote one outraged fan on Twitter. "Nicola Coughlan is a brilliant actress, and her talent shines far brighter than any shallow beauty standards."
Another fan pointed out the hypocrisy of Strimpel's argument, writing, "It's 2024, and we're still subjected to these tired tropes about who is and isn't worthy of love based on their size? The only thing unbelievable here is The Spectator's blatant fatphobia.
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