Simone Ashley stands in solidarity with her 'Bridgerton' co-star Nicola Coughlan, addressing the body-shaming that Coughlan has faced, and celebrating her strength and talent.
- Jun 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - Simone Ashley, 29, has taken a firm stance against the body-shaming targeted at her "Bridgerton" co-star Nicola Coughlan, 37. During a press conference at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on June 15, Ashley spoke out about the criticism Coughlan had received as her character, Penelope Featherington, became more central in "Bridgerton" third season, opposite Luke Newton's Colin Bridgerton.
"Yeah, the haters are going to hate, and I think we can all relate to that, but I really don't think that she's allowing that to bother her," Ashley noted. Emphasizing Coughlan's resilience, Ashley added, "She has a strong and fruitful career and entire life ahead of her. And I really believe in her, as the world does as well."
Ashley praised Coughlan, saying, "I think Nicola is just absolutely flying. 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."
Days earlier, Coughlan had addressed online accusations that her waist had been photoshopped in Bridgerton. "I saw some trolls. They were like, 'They photoshopped your waist,' and I was like, 'No, they did not,' " she explained to PEOPLE, attributing the speculation to the show's Regency-inspired costumes. Demonstrating the molding effect of corsetry, Coughlan remarked, "My body now will go, 'Whew.' "
During a fan event in Dublin, Coughlan humorously responded to a viewer's comment on her bravery in performing intimate scenes with Newton, asserting, "I think women with my body type - women with perfect breasts - we don't get to see ourselves on screen enough. I am a very proud member of the perfect breasts community, and I hope you enjoy seeing them."
Simone Ashley also shared her hopes of reprising her role alongside Jonathan Bailey in Bridgerton's fourth season. "Both Johnny and I, we adore our characters, Kate and Anthony, so much and their relationship and what they mean for the show," Ashley told PEOPLE.
Reflecting on their support for Coughlan and Newton, she added, "Me and Nicola would check in on each other. She is such an inspiration to me and I learned so much from her, and there were times she was giving me advice."
Nicola Coughlan's courage and Simone Ashley's unwavering support underscore a powerful message of body positivity and female solidarity in the entertainment industry. Their actions inspire not only their fans but also remind the world of the importance of standing up against body-shaming and celebrating diverse body types on screen.
