Bridgerton Star Ruby Barker Criticizes Netflix and Shonda Rhimes' Production Company for Insufficient Support Amidst Mental Health Struggles
Ruby Barker criticizes Netflix and Shonda Rhimes’ production company, alleging a lack of support during her two psychotic breaks following the filming of 'Bridgerton'
Ruby Barker and Shonda Rhimes Tristan Fewings;Dominik Bindl/Getty Images(2)
Bridgerton actress Ruby Barker has criticized Netflix and Shonda Rhimes’ production company, Shondaland, for their alleged lack of support following her experience with two psychotic breaks.
According to Barker, 26, neither Netflix nor Shondaland has reached out to her or provided any form of aftercare or support since the aforementioned incidents, as she revealed on a recent episode of "The Loaf" podcast.
Barker, known for her role as Marina Thompson on seasons 1 and 2 of the popular Netflix series, has made serious allegations regarding her hospitalization after experiencing her first psychotic break in 2019, shortly after the filming of season 1. According to Barker, this incident was concealed and kept quiet because the show was about to premiere. It is worth noting that she experienced a second episode of psychosis in 2022.
"When season 1 premiered on Netflix, I had just been discharged from the hospital after a year-long editing process. My Instagram followers were increasing, I had various engagements to attend, and my life was rapidly changing overnight. However, I did not receive any support during this time, and the lack of support continues to this day. I struggled to pretend that everything was fine, that I could work without any issues."
Barker expressed that she felt immense pressure to promote the cheerful romantic drama, comparing it to having a metaphorical gun to her head. She humorously added that she did not want to criticize the film, as it could jeopardize her future work opportunities.
According to Barker, her character, who was a distant relative of the Featheringtons and was sent to their home due to an undisclosed relationship that led to pregnancy, contributed to her struggles with mental health. She described the experience as a torment, as her character was isolated, rejected, and forced to endure difficult circumstances.
Barker disclosed in May 2022 that she had been hospitalized due to an undisclosed mental health issue after realizing that she had been experiencing prolonged illness.
"I want to be completely transparent with everyone. I have been facing challenges," she shared in a now-deleted Instagram video. "Presently, I am in the hospital, but I anticipate being discharged soon. Hopefully, I can move forward and take a brief break to focus on my well-being."
Barker expressed her gratitude to Rhimes for giving her a chance and coming to her aid during her time on Bridgerton. She mentioned that despite having to withdraw from a West End production due to contracting COVID-19 and coping with her mental health issues, she remained optimistic about her future after her recovery.
"I am eagerly looking forward to fulfilling all my commitments and building a successful career and life," she added. "I refuse to let my diagnosis determine my destiny. I am determined to not only survive but thrive, and I know you can too. If you're by my side, you're in good hands. Thank you."
Uncertainty remains regarding Barker's return as Marina for the upcoming third season of Bridgerton, despite her appearance in only one episode of season 2. Nonetheless, the focus of season 3's storyline will revolve around characters connected to Marina. This includes Penelope Featherington, Marina's cousin, whose friendship with Colin Bridgerton, Marina's ex-fiancé, will develop into a romantic relationship.
Although Barker has expressed concerns about how Netflix and Shondaland handled her mental health, she has openly commended the show's inclusive approach to casting.
"I watched the film Belle, which tells the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race aristocrat living in the Georgian era. After seeing the film, I was captivated by the character and thought it would be incredible to play her. However, I assumed that opportunities in period dramas would be limited for someone of my race," she shared in a February 2021 interview with the Daily Mail. "But then, to my surprise, I received the casting information for Bridgerton and discovered that it was a Shonda Rhimes project with a strong emphasis on diversity. It was truly amazing to become a part of it."
We have reached out to Netflix and Shondaland for their response.
