Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell has publicly condemned racist and homophobic backlash targeting actresses Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza, as the Netflix series prepares to explore Francesca's queer love story with Michaela Stirling in an upcoming season. This defense comes amid ongoing criticism from some fans over the adaptation's creative changes.
Adapting Francesca's Story for a Modern Audience
In Julia Quinn's original books, Francesca experiences the loss of her husband, John Stirling, before finding love again with his cousin, Michael. However, the Netflix adaptation has reimagined this character as Michaela, transforming the romance into a same-sex relationship. Masali Baduza's portrayal of Michaela plays a significant role in season 4, with Jess Brownell emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the Bridgerton universe.
Standing Against Bigotry
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Jess Brownell stated, "There’s no place for racism, homophobia, or any kind of bigotry in the Bridgerton universe." She added that this world is centered on love and inclusivity, expressing her desire for positivity towards the cast. "If people are frustrated with the adaptation, that’s fair, but keep it off Masali’s page, keep it off Hannah’s page, and keep it focused on the creative," she urged.
Reflecting on the storyline, Jess highlighted its significance, saying, "Let’s not make it about the queerness of the show because it’s so important for people to get to feel like their love story is included." Despite the hate, she has appreciated seeing fans rally around the characters and looks forward to their evolving narrative.
Historical Context and Author Approval
Jess Brownell first addressed backlash during Penelope and Colin's season in 2024, when Michaela was introduced to viewers. Speaking to Teen Vogue, she confirmed that author Julia Quinn approved the change to a queer storyline. "In, for example, deciding to tell a queer story with Francesca, I spoke with Julia Quinn, I got her blessing," Jess explained.
She acknowledged that adaptations often disappoint some fans, noting, "You're never going to please every single side of the fan base." This sentiment underscores the challenges of balancing creative vision with audience expectations in popular series.
As Bridgerton continues to evolve, Jess Brownell remains committed to fostering a supportive environment, encouraging viewers to embrace diversity and love in all its forms.
