Simone Ashley Defends Nicola Coughlan Against Body-Shaming Comments

Simone Ashley Defends Nicola Coughlan Against Body-Shaming Accusations in “Bridgerton,” Highlighting Her Strength and Promising Career

Simone Ashley has come to the defense of her friend and co-star, Nicola Coughlan, following recent body-shaming comments accusing the series ‘Bridgerton’ of photoshopping Coughlan’s waist to make her appear thinner.

Ashley, who starred in the second season of the hit Netflix series as Kate Bridgerton, expressed her support during the Monte Carlo Television Festival. “Critics are always going to criticize, and I think we can all relate to that, but I really don’t think she lets it affect her,” Ashley said. “She has a strong and promising career and a whole life ahead of her. And I truly believe in her, just as the world does.”

Coughlan has been at the center of controversy following the release of the third season of ‘Bridgerton,’ which focused on her character, Penelope Featherington’s love story with Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton). Some fans accused Netflix of retouching the actress’s waist to make her look slimmer, and these accusations persisted when SKIMS launched a photo campaign featuring Coughlan.

“I saw some trolls,” Coughlan told People. “They said, ‘They photoshopped your waist,’ and I responded, ‘No, they didn’t.’” She explained that her body has adapted to wearing the tight Regency-era costumes designed to cinch the waist. “I think if you wear corsetry long enough, your body really molds to it.”

Ashley didn’t stop at just supporting Coughlan; she also praised her. “I think Nicola is soaring,” she said. “She is a beautiful, strong, confident, and intelligent woman. Watching her on this press tour spreading so much joy and inspiration, especially to women worldwide, is inspiring to me as well.”

Body-shaming is a harmful and cruel practice with profound impacts on the mental and emotional well-being of individuals. It is unfortunate that in a society striving for inclusion and diversity, there are still people who feel entitled to criticize others’ bodies. Such comments not only affect the person directly involved but also perpetuate unrealistic and toxic beauty standards. It is crucial that we celebrate body diversity and stand up for those subjected to unfair criticism, as Simone Ashley and Nicola Coughlan have done, showing that true beauty lies in confidence and authenticity.