Simone Ashley has come to the defense of her Bridgerton co-star, Nicola Coughlan, following the latter’s recent response to a comment about her body.

During a press conference at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on June 15, Ashley, 29, addressed Coughlan’s encounter at a fan event in Dublin, Ireland, on June 6. Coughlan, 37, was told that she was “very brave” for portraying Penelope Featherington’s sex scenes.

“Haters are going to hate, and that’s something we can all relate to. But I don’t think she’s letting it get to her,” Ashley said in response to the comment, as reported by Deadline. “She [Nicole] has a bright future ahead of her, both in her career and in life. And I truly believe in her, as does the rest of the world.”

Coughlan, whose character is romantically involved with Luke Newton‘s Colin Bridgerton in the Netflix series, had a witty response to the person who made the comment at the fan screening.

“It’s challenging because I believe women with my body type—women with perfect breasts—are not represented enough on screen,” she said at Dublin’s Light House Cinema. “I am a proud member of the perfect breasts community, and I hope you enjoyed seeing them.”

Ashley echoed Coughlan’s sentiments at the press conference and offered further praise.

“I think Nicola is absolutely thriving,” Ashley said. “She is a stunning, strong, confident, and intelligent woman. It’s been wonderful to see her on this press tour, spreading joy and inspiration to people, especially women, all over the world.”

Ashley continued, “She’s also a very kind person, and I think that’s something that people everywhere can relate to.”

Ashley, who plays Kate Sharma in the popular period drama, has never shied away from speaking out about her beliefs.

In a Vogue UK cover story published in November 2022, the actress discussed her appreciation for her dark skin and curly hair. The article highlighted Ashley’s pride in her cultural heritage and background.

“I’m sure it was limiting,” Ashley, who was born to Indian Tamil parents, said of her brown skin. “Things have taken me longer than other young actors who may not have the same restrictions. But I never gave up. I recall people saying things when I was a child that made me very aware of the color of my skin.”

“I remember seeing those Fair & Lovely [lightening] creams—they smelled so good, like baby powder, but I didn’t understand what they were for,” she continued. “Now, I think, ‘Wow, that’s messed up.’ But I’ve always loved the color of my skin.”

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Bridgerton fans have scrutinized every detail of season three, but several steamy scenes were left on the cutting room floor. The third season of the show, based on Julia Quinn’s book Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, primarily focused on the evolving relationship between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), who […]

Coughlan, meanwhile, is on a roll, having recently been unveiled as the face and body of Skims, Kim Kardashian‘s underwear line.

“I am so honored to be in Skims’ latest campaign!” Coughlan said in an official launch statement on June 17. “I’ve been a fan of Skims since the beginning. It’s been my go-to lounging outfit on set. I love that it’s a brand that makes everyone look and feel amazing. The Soft Lounge styles are incredibly flattering, comfortable, and so soft and beautiful. Whether I’m wearing them at home or on set, I always feel incredible in Skims.”