'Bridgerton' Actress Ruby Barker Accuses Netflix, Shondaland of Neglect During Mental Health Crises on Set
'Bridgerton' Star Ruby Barker Reveals Lack of Support After Two 'Psychotic Breaks' on Set, Fueling Critics Amid Netflix's Recent Success and the Continued Popularity of the Historical Drama Series
- 'Bridgerton' actress Ruby Barker accuses Netflix and Shondaland of neglecting her mental health by not providing support during two psychotic breaks she experienced on set, these break took place in 2019, shortly after completing production on Bridgerton season one and the second occurred in 2022.
- Barker revealed that her character's isolation on the show, due to a scandalous pregnancy that made her a social outcast, led to her mental deterioration, and despite her struggles, she was made to continue promoting the show without any support.
- Prior to the accusations, Netflix had seen remarkable growth with nearly six million new subscribers and a substantial increase in its free cash flow due to the success of original content like 'Bridgerton'.
- The production of 'Bridgerton' series, which was the first scripted show from Shondaland produced exclusively for Netflix, played a significant role in the platform's success, however, this scandal threatens to overshadow its achievements.
- Previously, Barker had acknowledged her struggles on Instagram, stating in May 2022 that she had been 'really unwell for a really long time' and expressing her intention to take a break for her mental health.