Leave it to Simone Ashley to deliver a dose of reality (and fierce loyalty) to the internet trolls trying to bring down her "Bridgerton" co-star, Nicola Coughlan.
Coughlan, who plays the beloved Penelope Featherington (aka Lady Whistledown herself!), has been facing a wave of body-shaming comments since stepping into the spotlight as a romantic lead in season 3. But Ashley isn't having any of it.
"Haters Gonna Hate": Ashley Shuts Down Criticism with Empowering Message
"The haters are going to hate," Ashley declared during a recent press conference, her voice dripping with disdain for the negativity directed at her friend.
And why should she? As Ashley pointed out, Coughlan is at the top of her game, her talent and charisma shining brighter than ever.
"She has a strong and fruitful career and entire life ahead of her," Ashley emphasized. "And I really believe in her, as the world does as well."
From "Derry Girls" to "Bridgerton" Darling: Coughlan's Star Continues to Rise
Ashley, who plays the fiery Kate Sharma on the hit Netflix series, went on to praise Coughlan's strength, intelligence, and unwavering confidence.
"I think Nicola is just absolutely flying," Ashley gushed. "She is a gorgeous, strong, confident, intelligent woman, seeing her do this press tour and spread so much joy and inspiration to everyone — especially women — all over the world."
And it's this infectious joy, this unwavering spirit, that shines through both on and off-screen.
Coughlan's Epic Clapbacks: Addressing Body Shaming with Humor and Honesty
Coughlan herself has addressed the body-shaming with her signature blend of wit and honesty.
When trolls claimed her waist was photoshopped in "Bridgerton," she quipped, "I think if you wear corsetry for long enough, your body really molds to it," adding cheekily, "Sometimes they come in for a fitting for a fashion designer and they put a corset on me and I'm like, ‘Oh, you can go tight,’ and they go, ‘What do you mean?’ I'm like, 'My body now will go, 'Whew.' "
And during a fan event, when a viewer awkwardly praised her for being "brave" to film intimate scenes, Coughlan delivered a mic-drop response:
"You know, I think it is hard," she began, before adding with a sly grin, "Because I think women with my body type — women with perfect breasts — we don't get to see ourselves on screen enough."
She finished with a flourish, "I am a very proud member of the perfect breasts community, and I hope you enjoy seeing them."
More Than Just Co-Stars: A Friendship That's Lifting Each Other Up
Ashley and Coughlan's friendship is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often pits women against each other. They're proof that celebrating each other's success, offering support, and calling out BS is not only possible, it's essential.
"Me and Nicola would check in on each other," Ashley revealed. "She is such an inspiration to me and I learned so much from her, and there were times she was giving me advice.”
It's this kind of genuine support and sisterhood that makes the "Bridgerton" world so captivating. Because ultimately, it's the love stories – both on and off-screen – that truly capture our hearts.
