The ton is supposed to be all about courtship and gossip, but the drama has spilled off-screen in a big way, and this time, it's not something Lady Whistledown can fix with a scathing social column. Nicola Coughlan, beloved by fans as the witty Penelope Featherington, has been subjected to a barrage of cruel body shaming since the release of "Bridgerton" season 3, leaving her in tears and sparking outrage across the internet.
The hurtful comments, many targeting Nicola’s weight and deeming her unsuitable for the role of Penelope, have been relentless, appearing everywhere from social media to mainstream publications.
"If you have an opinion about my body, please, please don’t share it with me," a heartbroken Nicola pleaded in a recent interview with Vogue magazine. "Sounds simple, right? I am just one real-life human being, and it's really hard to take the weight of thousands of opinions on how you look being sent directly to you every day."
The actress shared a particularly upsetting example from a Spectator article, which called Penelope “podgy” and declared it “not plausible” for her to win the heart of Colin Bridgerton due to her weight. The article went on to say that "she is not hot and there is no escaping it.”
Nicola’s Instagram post, shared alongside a screenshot of the article, revealed the emotional toll the constant scrutiny has taken. “I'm only human,” she wrote. “I’m doing my best. These things make me sad, they make me cry… Can people just mind their business and focus on things that matter?”
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Nicola's co-star, Luke Newton, who plays Penelope’s love interest, Colin Bridgerton, has come to her defense with a fiery online statement.
Commenting on an article detailing the abuse Nicola has faced, Luke didn't mince words: "People are absolutely disgusting," he wrote. "How can anyone treat someone like that? Nick is a star."
Luke’s actions have been met with widespread praise from fans and fellow actors alike, applauding him for using his platform to stand up against body shaming and support his friend.
"This is what true allyship looks like," one fan commented. "Thank you, Luke, for having the courage to speak out when it matters most.”
The heartbreaking situation highlights the urgent need for greater kindness and empathy, both on and off the screen. Body shaming is never acceptable, and it’s crucial that we hold those who engage in this harmful behavior accountable for their words and actions.
As one fan aptly put it: "Maybe it’s time for Lady Whistledown to turn her sharp wit on the real villains of this story: the bullies hiding behind their keyboards.”
