"Bridgerton" Betrayal? Fans Furious Over Major Character's Gender Swap!

Hold onto your powdered wigs and smelling salts, "Bridgerton" fans, because the ton is in an uproar! Netflix's beloved period drama, known for its steamy romances and scandalous gossip, has ignited a fiery debate among viewers with a controversial twist on a beloved book character.

The drama unfolded at the end of season three, with the introduction of Michaela Stirling, a captivating new character set to become the love interest of Francesca Bridgerton.

But here's the catch: in Julia Quinn's original book series, this character is named Michael Stirling – a man.

Yes, you read that right. Netflix has swapped the gender of a major character, transforming Francesca's love story from a traditional heterosexual romance into a queer relationship. And let's just say, not everyone is pleased.

"A Travesty!" Fans Demand Netflix Honor the Original Story

A furious petition, signed by over 16,000 outraged fans (and counting!), is calling on Netflix to reverse this "travesty" and stick to the original storyline.

"To see these characters altered in visual adaptation is nothing short of a travesty," reads the petition, echoing the sentiments of countless "Bridgerton" book lovers. "The books have sold millions of copies worldwide, each reader forming a unique connection with the characters as they were originally portrayed."

The petition goes on to argue that changing a character's identity risks "losing the essence of the story" and "disappointing the vast audience that has come to cherish this beloved story."

"Please, honor the original spirit of the Bridgerton books," the petition pleads, urging Netflix to "restore Michael Stirling to his rightful place in Francesca's story.

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The comments section of the petition is a battlefield of opinions, with fans expressing everything from heartbroken disappointment to fiery indignation.

"If you are not keeping the essence of the stories, please do not continue to call the show Bridgerton," wrote one particularly passionate signer.

Others echoed this sentiment, arguing that while they support LGBTQ+ representation, changing established characters feels disingenuous.

“Why not create new, original queer characters instead of altering beloved ones?” questioned one commenter.

"It feels like a cheap way to score diversity points."

Netflix's Creative License vs. Fan Loyalty: Where Do We Draw the Line?

This controversy raises a larger question about the delicate balance between creative license and fan expectations when adapting books to the screen. While "Bridgerton" has always taken liberties with the source material, this particular change has struck a nerve, leaving many fans feeling betrayed.

"We understand that adaptations require changes," acknowledged a spokesperson for the petition.

"But this goes beyond a minor alteration. It fundamentally changes the heart of Francesca's story."

Netflix, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped about the controversy. The streaming giant has yet to respond to the petition or address the fans' concerns.

So, where do we go from here? Will Netflix bow to fan pressure and reinstate Michael Stirling as Francesca's love interest? Or will they stick to their guns and forge ahead with Michaela, ushering in a new era of queer representation in the "Bridgerton" universe?

One thing's for sure: this debate is far from over. The ton is abuzz with gossip, and everyone, from Lady Whistledown to the Queen herself, is waiting with bated breath to see how this scandal unfolds.