Bridgerton has found itself at the centre of a scandal after a “mixed-weight” opinion piece.
The Netflix smash hit returned for a third season during May and June, with the show being released in two parts. Fans were first given a taste of the season with the first four episodes being released on May 16, with the remaining episodes premiering on June 13.
Fans of the show were lukewarm on the first part of the season, but were thrilled with the second half, as Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, fell in love with Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton. This included a raunchy six-minute sex scene between the actors.
READ MORE: Bridgerton star defends Nicola Coughlan as nude scenes cause brutal hate comments
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However, not everyone was pleased with the series, with the third garnering mixed reviews from critics. One writer for Forbes magazine, however, has sparked a furore by branding the on-screen relationship as a “mixed-weight relationship”.
(Image: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)
The opinion piece, written by author Virgie Tovar, looked at the relationship between the pair, adding that the relationship “defied romance plotline convention” – with Tovar explaining this was due to actress Nicola being simply “larger” than Luke.
The use of the phrase “mixed-weight” sparked a wave of backlash to the author, with many readers and fans alike questioning the need to draw attention Nicola’s weight. Many branded the publication as “fat-phobic”, as they slammed Virgie for her use of the term.
One fan wrote: “‘Mixed-weight relationships’? I hate it here.” Whilst a second simply joked: “Inter-weight-cial.”
(Image: Netflix)
A third account added: “‘Mixed-weight relationships’ is so, so funny. Like, bro, have you ever been outside?”
Other fans of the show blasted the opinion piece, asking whether a piece on a heavier man’s relationship with a thinner woman would be given the same airtime. Many others argued why no articles had been written for the opposing dynamic in TV shows and films alike, despite being far more prevalent.
One disgruntled user fumed as they typed: “Fat women really are just hated by society on a molecular level because what the f*** is a mixed weight relationship?? And f*** me, but where are the articles about all the couples on TV that are fat men and skinny women? Or fat men with skinny men? Like. Wtf does this even mean?”
(Image: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)
Overweight men and skinny women has been an accepted form of relationship for quite some time, some fans argued – pointing to other fictional characters such as Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Peter and Lois Griffin and Homer and Marge Simpson. However, Bridgerton fans are not particularly thrilled about the ending of their beloved show either.
A seemingly shocking lesbian relationship has been teased for the upcoming season of the show, after John Stirling’s cousin Michaela introduces herself to Francesca Bridgerton. This is in direct contrast to the books, where Francesca is instead introduced to Michael, with some fans unhappy with the change in storylines for the future.
Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
