Dearest gentle reader,

It is with great disappointment and a touch of fury that I must address a most unsettling article recently published by The Spectator. Their piece, titled ‘Bridgerton’s Big Fantasy’ and penned by one Zoe Strimpel, purports to review the third season of our beloved Bridgerton but quickly devolves into a vile diatribe against the immensely talented Nicola Coughlan and her character, the delightful Penelope Featherington.

Ms. Strimpel, a self-proclaimed feminist, has once again demonstrated her propensity for internalized misogyny. It is regrettable that her name is familiar to us not for her contributions to meaningful discourse, but for her series of shambolic articles filled with outlandish opinions.

Lest we forget, this is the same writer who, amidst the #MeToo movement, had the audacity to argue that ‘women can be predatory too,’ thereby trivializing the courageous testimonies of countless women who came forward with their stories of enduring sexism and sexual assault by powerful men.

The positive aspect of this debacle, if any, is that the article was mercifully brief. Yet, any reader might have initially thought Ms. Strimpel was an aficionado of Bridgerton, given her archaic views on beauty standards. Alas, this assumption is swiftly dispelled as her ungraceful criticisms come to light.

The rage of women everywhere is stirred when Ms. Strimpel attacks Ms. Coughlan’s body image, describing Penelope’s ‘life on a plump periphery of the svelte and beautiful.’ This so-called feminist shockingly reveals her prejudice, suggesting that only slim women can be desirable or worthy of leading roles.

We must emphatically declare: enough is enough. Such size-shaming is an affront not only to Ms. Coughlan but to every woman who has ever been deemed ‘too fat,’ ‘too thin,’ ‘too curvy,’ or ‘too bony.’ It is high time we enjoyed seeing diverse body types on our screens without the incessant, insidious commentary implying our worth is tied to our appearance.

Ms. Strimpel, please enlighten us: what size must one be to be considered ‘hot’? Perhaps you might invent a machine to churn out these supposedly ideal women, though I doubt many would meet your criteria.

In truth, Penelope Featherington is a beautifully complex character, embodying emotions and experiences familiar to many of us. She is a hopeless romantic pining for her love, Colin Bridgerton, while facing societal pressures and judgment for her appearance. If Ms. Strimpel has never known such feelings, she must possess superhuman confidence—an enviable trait indeed!

The use of ‘plump’ as a descriptor is not only outdated but offensively condescending. Even the often-criticized Daily Mail opts for ‘curvy.’ Ms. Strimpel’s deliberate choice of language seems a transparent attempt to provoke, rather than engage in meaningful critique.

She further claims that Ms. Coughlan, being ‘fat,’ cannot convincingly play a character who wins the heart of a wealthy bachelor. This assertion exposes Ms. Strimpel’s disgraceful prejudice and complete misunderstanding of Bridgerton’s narrative.

Colin Bridgerton may be a ‘perfect ten’ in her eyes, but let us not forget he has coasted on his family’s wealth, facing far fewer hardships than Penelope. Yet, his behavior is celebrated while Penelope’s loyalty and love are dismissed.

For those unfamiliar with Bridgerton, Colin and Penelope’s friends-to-lovers arc is a delightful underdog story. Penelope’s desire for a genuine romantic connection is relatable and heartfelt. The fact that she looks different from other characters is part of her charm and strength.

Moreover, Ms. Coughlan’s casting is based on her beauty, talent, and captivating performance. Why is it so difficult for some to see beyond her physical appearance?

Ms. Strimpel’s backhanded compliments about Ms. Coughlan’s ‘expressive face’ and being ‘a lovely person to watch’ do not absolve her from the egregious remarks she has made. Such comments are more suited to the playground than serious critique.

As writers ourselves, we uphold the value of free speech and the right to one’s opinion. However, we question the wisdom behind publishing an article that reeks of hatred and bullying. Ms. Coughlan has expressed discomfort with body-related comments, and it is high time we respected her wishes.

Nicola Coughlan is a brilliant actress who has brought life to numerous iconic characters, from Hannah in Harlots to Claire in Derry Girls and Maggie in Big Mood. To reduce her worth to her physical appearance is not only disrespectful but utterly misguided.

Free speech should not be a shield for vitriol and misogyny. The Spectator, with its storied history of distinguished journalism, ought to know better. We hope that not all their writers are mired in such outdated views.

And if it was not clear, the feminist of the year award certainly does not go to Zoe Strimpel.

The jury, dear reader, this scribe is out.

Kind regards,
Author A.L. Childers

Hello all, or should I say dearest gentle reader. I know it is no laughing matter, what I have done. In the beginning, I never thought anyone would take my writing seriously. Why should they? No one has taken any art of mine seriously. I only realized how common that feeling must be. To be a young lady who no one listens to.

I wrote about all of you because I was captivated by you, living your lives so out in the open. And by writing about you, I suddenly felt I had a life. I had power, and for anyone in this room who had a taste of that, you should know it can be intoxicating. I was careless with that power. It was easy to cast aspersions and not be found. But now I see how much courage it takes to live a life out in the open. To honor one’s weaknesses purposefully for all to see, regardless of the outcome, one always has worth..

All of us talk. Gossip, gossip is information. It forges bonds, especially among those who are told so little. But I can no longer conceal the biggest information I have: my identity. That is why I am so grateful to our queen for forcing me out of the shadows with her most cunning scheme. I mean to aim my quill more responsibly. That is my penance.

Then the queen states she seems humble, but we will be watching, she reminds. What is life without a little gossip? Then the queen walks away.

About A.L. Childers: A.L. Childers is an acclaimed author known for her insightful exploration of health, wellness, and the human experience. With a diverse body of work that spans genres and subjects, Childers has established herself as a leading voice in the world of literature.

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