Bridgerton Star criticizes Netflix's lack of support during mental health crisis

 Bridgerton star Ruby Barker. (Instagram-Ruby Barker)

Bridgerton star Ruby Barker has publicly addressed Netflix, alleging a lack of support during her challenging battle with mental health issues while filming the show.

The 26-year-old actress, known for her role as Marina Thompson in the first two seasons of the hit series, recently disclosed her struggles, emphasizing the absence of assistance from Netflix and Shondaland throughout her ordeal.

Barker experienced two "psychotic breaks" during her time on set, with the first occurring after the completion of season one and the second taking place last year. She expressed her disappointment during an appearance on the LOAF Podcast at Oxford University. To her dismay, not a single representative from Netflix or Shondaland reached out to inquire about her well-being or offer any form of post-care or support, as reported by Variety. (Netflix and Shondaland have refrained from making any comments on the matter.)

Marina Thompson, the character portrayed by Barker, is the cousin of Penelope Featherington, and her storyline in season one, involving an unmarried pregnancy, significantly impacted the actress's mental health.

Reflecting on her experience, Barker shared that "During filming, I was deteriorating. It was a really tormenting place for me to be because my character was very alienated, very ostracized, on her own under these horrible circumstances," during her podcast appearance.

Barker recounted a particularly challenging period after completing the first season when she found herself in the hospital. She noted that this was discreetly handled and kept under wraps due to the imminent release of the show. Despite her life undergoing rapid transformation with an increasing Instagram following and numerous commitments, no support was extended. She said, "So I was trying really, really hard to act like it was okay and that I could work and that it wasn’t a problem."

In May 2022, Barker used a now-deleted Instagram post to reveal her hospitalization, acknowledging her prolonged struggle with her health. In her message, she conveyed her determination to persevere and not let her diagnosis define her future, as reported by HuffPost.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether Ruby Barker will be a part of the forthcoming Bridgerton season three, as the premiere date for the new season is yet to be announced.