Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley defends Nicola Coughlan against social media trolls

Simone Ashley, who portrays Lady Kate Sharma Bridgerton on the smash Netflix drama, has come to the rescue of Nicola Coughlan regarding internet trolls who left body-shaming messages on her social media profiles. Coughlan just wrapped up season 3 of Bridgerton, where her character, Lady Penelope Featherington, wed the equally charming Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

Season 4 of Bridgerton will be a long carriage ride down the road, since it'll not debut until 2026. During its three seasons, it amplified love's magical power, while giving a 21st century update to the otherwise conservative Regency Age in the early 19th century.

Ashley, for her part, defended Coughlan at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, which was recently held in Monaco on June 15th. At the event's press conference, the English native had nothing but praise for her co-star, stating that she "believes" in Coughlan.

What Simone Ashley said about Nicola Coughlan

Women (and men) often fall victim to the body shamers online, and in the entertainment industry, it's a double-edged sword, as every piece of you is critically analyzed, especially your appearance. On social media, it can become a warzone with our mind, but we shouldn't allow a few words control our emotions.

Simone admires the fact that Coughlan doesn't allow the words to bother her, but uses them as fuel to only enhance her talents and be even more body positive.

"The haters are going to hate, and I think we can all relate to that," Ashley said at the Festival. "But I really don't think [Nicola's] allowing that to bother her. 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 additionally reflected on Coughlan's persona, admiring the woman's confidence and strength.

"I think Nicola is absolutely flying. She is a gorgeous, strong, confident, intelligent woman. Seeing her do this press tour has spread so much joy and inspiration to everyone, especially to women all over the world. She’s also a really kind human being, and I think that’s such a universal language that people can relate to."

Nicola Coughlan stands up to the shamers in her own beautiful way

Coughlan recently showed her curves by becoming the latest ambassador for Kim Kardashian's SKIMS fashion wear. In the pictorial campaign, Coughlan wore several pastel-hued dresses, with the background encapsulating a Bridgerton aesthetic.

When it came to her steamy, intimate scenes with Newton, Coughlan felt like it was her biggest middle finger to all the haters and naysayers. They were raw and special because many of the scenic moments were Coughlan's ideas. She is Penelope Featherington Bridgerton, so she should have a cathartic voice to portray her role best.

"I specifically asked for certain lines and moments to be included," Coughlan expressed to the UK's Stylist, which was re-reported through Buzzfeed. "There's one scene where I'm very naked on camera, and that was my idea, [and] my choice. It just felt like the biggest 'f you' to all the conversation surrounding my body; it was amazingly empowering. I felt beautiful in the moment, and I thought, when I'm eighty, I want to look back on this and say, 'how f------ I looked!'"

Bridgerton is currently streaming on Netflix.