Nicola Coughlan, known for her role as Penelope in the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” recently shared a shocking encounter with a drunk fan in a bathroom. The fan openly discussed Coughlan’s body in front of her, leaving the actor feeling uncomfortable and disheartened. Despite her dedication to her craft and the months of hard work she puts into her role, Coughlan has faced criticism and body shaming from viewers.
During the filming of Season 3, Coughlan found herself being labeled as “plus size” despite being a size 10. The actress expressed her frustration with society’s narrow standards of beauty, questioning why she was considered the largest woman viewers wanted to see on screen. This pressure to conform to unrealistic body ideals took a toll on Coughlan, especially when faced with hurtful comments about her appearance.
In response to body shamers, Coughlan has been vocal about prioritizing her work over external opinions about her body. She took to Instagram to urge people not to share their unsolicited opinions about her appearance, emphasizing the importance of focusing on her acting skills rather than her physical attributes. Coughlan’s resilience in the face of online criticism demonstrates her commitment to her craft and her refusal to be defined by societal beauty standards.
Despite the negativity surrounding her body, Coughlan remains steadfast in her dedication to her work. She made a bold statement by choosing to film a very naked sex scene in “Bridgerton” Season 3, a decision that she viewed as empowering and liberating. By taking control of her own narrative and reclaiming her body on screen, Coughlan defied her critics and embraced her own beauty and confidence.
For more insights from Nicola Coughlan, including her thoughts on body positivity and self-acceptance, be sure to check out her cover story on Elle’s website. Follow along as Coughlan continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for self-love and acceptance in the entertainment industry.

