Allegations have surfaced that Korean Australian actress Ha Yerin was subjected to discriminatory treatment during promotional events for 'Bridgerton Season 4.'
On February 18 (KST), Netflix held a press event for 'Bridgerton Season 4' in Madrid, Spain. The event was organized under a masquerade ball concept inspired by a scene from the series. Key cast members were in attendance, including Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, Ha Yerin, who portrays Sophie Baek, and Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca Bridgerton.
As part of the show’s global promotional campaign, the three actors participated in interviews with local media outlets and attended a photocall wearing designs by Spanish designers. However, controversy arose when some viewers pointed out that Netflix appeared to highlight Hannah Dodd rather than the lead couple. Photos featuring the three actors were uploaded to Netflix Spain’s official social media accounts, prompting questions online.
The promotional framing led some to say the images evoked a love triangle rather than the central romance depicted in the series. One netizen questioned, “If she’s the female lead, why is she positioned so far from the camera?”
Spanish media coverage further fueled the controversy. During a joint interview, Ha Yerin’s face reportedly had a watermark placed over it, while some video thumbnails featured only the white cast members. Her name was also misspelled in reports. Spanish outlet ABC wrote her name as “Yern Ha” instead of “Yerin Ha,” while Luke Thompson’s more complex spelling was written correctly.
Meanwhile, 'Bridgerton Season 4' tells the story of a romance that transcends social status in 19th-century England. Part 2 of the season will be released on February 26.
SEE ALSO: ‘Bridgerton Season 4' star Ha Yerin “I got the casting call while grocery shopping at Lotte Mart”
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