Bridgerton Star Opens Up About Challenging Filming Experience, Shares Concerns Over Netflix & Shondaland's Response

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Ruby Barker reveals her tormenting filming experience on Bridgerton, citing Netflix and Shondaland for their lack of support during her psychotic breaks.

Barker reveals that her hospital visit while filming Bridgerton season 1 was concealed due to the show's impending release, resulting in a lack of assistance.

Despite the major life changes she experienced, Barker did not receive any post-treatment care or support from Netflix or Shondaland. This left her feeling compelled to pretend that everything was alright in order to promote the show.

Ruby Barker, the actress from Bridgerton, has spoken out about her difficult filming experience, expressing her dissatisfaction with the lack of support from Netflix and Shondaland. Known for her role as Marina Thompson in the first season of Bridgerton, Barker returned as a guest star for the second season. Marina's character was portrayed as a newcomer to high society who faced ridicule from her affluent relatives due to her past affair and pregnancy. During a recent episode of Oxford University's LOAF podcast, Barker candidly discussed the challenges she encountered while working on Bridgerton.

During the filming of Bridgerton season 1 in 2022, the actress revealed that she experienced her initial episode of psychosis, with a subsequent occurrence in 2022. Barker expressed her disappointment in Netflix and Shondaland, the production company founded by Shonda Rhimes, stating that she did not receive any assistance or support from them. Below are Barker's complete remarks:

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After filming Bridgerton season 1, I was admitted to the hospital a week later. The situation was kept quiet to protect the upcoming release of the show. Unfortunately, while filming, I experienced a decline in my mental health. It was an extremely challenging time for me because my character was isolated and facing difficult circumstances. Surprisingly, not a single person from Netflix or Shondaland reached out to check on my well-being or offer any form of aftercare or support, despite having experienced two psychotic breaks related to the show.

As my life underwent significant changes overnight, I found myself without any support, and this has continued to be the case. Despite this, I made every effort to pretend that everything was fine and that I could carry on with my work as if nothing was wrong. It felt like I had a metaphorical gun to my head, pushing me to portray the show as cheerful and entertaining. I didn't want to jeopardize my future opportunities by speaking negatively about it.

Barker's Bridgerton Comments, Detailed

Barker reveals the lack of assistance from Netflix and Shondaland during her mental health episodes. She discloses that her hospitalization during the filming of Bridgerton season 1 was concealed and kept confidential due to the show's impending release. Barker further highlights her declining mental state during the production, describing it as a distressing environment due to her character's isolation and difficult circumstances.

In addition, Barker expresses disappointment that neither Netflix nor Shondaland reached out to offer any support. She shares that a multitude of changes were occurring in her life at the time of Bridgerton's premiere, noting her efforts to conceal her struggles and maintain a facade of normalcy while continuing to work. She laments, "It felt as if there was a figurative gun to my head, compelling me to promote this show." Following the conclusion of Bridgerton season 1, there has been no communication from either Netflix or Shondaland.

Barker previously discussed her involvement in Bridgerton, revealing her experiences through an Instagram post in May 2022. In the post, she disclosed her health struggles throughout the show and mentioned her current hospitalization. Despite her challenges, Barker expressed her optimism for the future. As of now, Netflix and Shondaland have not addressed Barker's comments.

Source: Oxford University's LOAF podcast

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Bridgerton, I am deeply concerned about the distressing filming experience that Ruby Barker endured. Her revelations about the lack of support from Netflix and Shondaland during her psychotic breaks are disheartening. It is unacceptable that Barker was left to navigate her mental health struggles without any assistance or aftercare from the production company.

Barker's courage in speaking out about her experience sheds light on the importance of prioritizing mental health in the entertainment industry. It is crucial that production companies take responsibility for the well-being of their cast and crew, especially those who may be vulnerable to mental health issues. Netflix and Shondaland must do better in providing support and resources for their employees, both during and after filming. The well-being of their talent should always come first.