Bridgerton Star Criticizes Netflix for Lack of Support Amid Mental Health Struggles

Article Summary

Ruby Barker reveals that Netflix and Shondaland didn't offer any support or aftercare when she experienced psychotic breaks after filming Bridgerton.

Barker found it difficult to manage her sudden rise to fame and would have welcomed support and empathy during this tough period of adjustment. The character's loneliness in the show only added to her declining mental well-being, as it resonated with the personal struggles she dealt with privately.

Bridgerton actor Ruby Barker has spoken out about her experience on the popular series, criticizing Netflix and Shondaland for their lack of support during her "psychotic breaks," according to Variety. Barker discussed her time on the show during an episode of the LOAF Podcast. She revealed that after filming Bridgerton Season One, she was hospitalized but the situation was kept quiet and hidden because the show was about to be released. Barker expressed her disappointment that neither Netflix nor Shondaland reached out to her or offered any post-care or support, despite experiencing two psychotic breaks related to her involvement with the show.

The sudden rise to fame was overwhelming for Barker, as her life drastically changed overnight, and she would have appreciated guidance on handling her newfound celebrity status, especially since the series became a huge hit. She tried to maintain a facade of normalcy and professionalism, despite struggling internally. However, Barker felt like she was facing an invisible threat whenever she promoted Bridgerton, as her mental health deteriorated behind closed doors. She attributed her decline to the isolation her character endured, which had a detrimental impact on her well-being. "During filming, I was deteriorating. It was an extremely distressing place for me to be because my character was constantly alienated and ostracized, enduring terrible circumstances alone."

What Is ‘Bridgerton’ About?

And What Role Does Ruby Barker Play?

Bridgerton is a TV series adaptation of Julia Quinn's book series. It is set in Regency-era London and centers around the noble Bridgerton family. As each of the eight siblings makes their debut into society, they experience love and happiness. However, similar to the teen drama Gossip Girl, there is a mysterious individual known as Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). Lady Whistledown reports on all the family's dramas, whether they occur at a ball or in an aristocratic palace. Despite the beautiful backdrop, there is always a hidden secret that jeopardizes the power dynamics and threatens to shatter everything. This is precisely what nearly befalls the character Marina, played by Baker.

Image via Netflix

Barker played a major role in Season 1 of Shonda Rhimes's Netflix series, Bridgerton. She also returned for a single episode in Season 2. In the show, Barker portrayed Marina, the cousin of the Featherington family. Marina enters society for the first time and joins her family. However, she hides a dark secret - she is pregnant from a previous relationship and tries to keep it a secret from everyone. Unfortunately, Lady Whistledown discovers the secret and exposes it, causing society to reject Marina and the Featherington family. This exclusion deeply affects Barker, as she relates to her character's feelings of loneliness. You can watch Barker's full appearance on the podcast below.

You can watch Bridgerton on Netflix.

Bridgerton

The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society.

Release Date: December 25, 2020

Cast: Rege-Jean Page, Julie Andrews, Jonathan Bailey, Ruth Gemmell, Polly Walker, Golda Rosheuvel

Main Genre: Drama

Genres: Documentary, Drama, History, Romance

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 2

Studio: Netflix

Editor's P/S

As a fan of Bridgerton, I am deeply concerned about the lack of support that Ruby Barker received from Netflix and Shondaland during her mental health struggles. It is unacceptable that an actress who played a major role in the show's first season was left to fend for herself after experiencing psychotic breaks.

It is clear that Netflix and Shondaland have a responsibility to provide support and aftercare for their actors, especially those who are experiencing mental health issues. The fact that Barker was not offered any assistance is a serious failure on their part. I hope that in the future, Netflix and Shondaland will take steps to ensure that their actors are given the support they need to stay healthy and safe.