Nicola Coughlan Challenges Plus-Size Label in Media

Nicola Coughlan, known for her role as Penelope Featherington in Netflix's 'Bridgerton', has spoken out against being labeled as a 'plus-size heroine' and the notion that she is 'brave' for appearing nude in the series. In an interview with Time, she expressed frustration over the focus on her body rather than her hard work and performance in the show. Despite being below the average size of women in the UK, she is often categorized as plus-size, which she finds reductive and insulting. Coughlan emphasized that her choice to bare her body was deliberate and empowering, challenging societal conversations about body image. She finds the fixation on her appearance boring and questions if such perceptions would change if she altered her body for a role. Her statements highlight a broader critique of how women's bodies are discussed in media and entertainment.