Simone Ashley, renowned for her role as Kate Sharma in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, has stepped forward to defend her co-star Nicola Coughlan amidst recent instances of body-shaming directed towards the actress.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, at an event, Ashley addressed the criticisms aimed at Coughlan, who portrays Penelope Featherington in the series' third season. "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 remarked, emphasizing Coughlan's resilience and strength.
Expressing admiration for Coughlan, Ashley continued, "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's impact, noting, "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. And I'm inspired by her as well."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ashley also highlighted Coughlan's kindness, describing it as a universal trait that resonates with people.
"She's also a really kind human being, and I think that's such a universal language that people can relate to," Ashley added.
Earlier this month, Nicola Coughlan responded to speculation about her appearance in Bridgerton season 3, particularly addressing comments suggesting her waist had been photoshopped.
"I saw some trolls. They were like, 'They photoshopped your waist,' and I was like, 'No, they did not,'" Coughlan clarified in an interview with People magazine.
Explaining the effects of wearing corsets for her role, Coughlan elaborated, "I think if you wear corsetry for long enough, your body really moulds to it. Sometimes they come in for a fitting for a fashion designer and they put a corset on me and I'm like, 'Oh, you can go tight,' and they go, 'What do you mean?' I'm like, 'My body now will go, 'Whew.'"
Bridgerton, known for its Regency-era costumes and intricate storytelling, continues to captivate audiences worldwide on Netflix.
Beets, bears, and brilliant chaos—Dwight Schrute was ready to make Schrute Farms the weirdest B&B on TVGetty Images 
Too fabulous to function—Jean-Ralphio was born to star in his own disaster-fuelled comedyGetty Images 
Omar - a prequel about his early days could’ve been HBO’s next gritty masterpieceGetty Images
Deadpan, dark, and delightful—April Ludgate’s FBI spin-off would’ve been everythingGetty Images
Sassy, spiritual, and full of secrets—Lafayette’s backstory was screaming for a supernatural seriesGetty Images
From Victorian poetry to vampire slaying, Spike’s centuries-long saga deserved its own spotlightGetty Images
Confidence, quirks, and questionable fashion—Schmidt’s next chapter could’ve been rom-com goldGetty Images
The villain we hated to love—Negan did get his spin-off, and it’s a bloody good oneGetty Images
Whimsical and wise—Luna’s magical adventures would’ve been a dreamy, otherworldly delightGetty Images
Chaotic queen energy—Gina’s influencer-era spin-off would’ve broken the internetGetty Images 
Drama unfolds as Cardi B calls out Offset for an affair with AriTheDon in explosive leaked messagesGetty Images 
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s stunning £9.5 million sea-facing apartment in Mumbai nears completionGetty Images 
And the magician kisses a king cobra