Bridgerton Actor Ruby Barker Calls Out Netflix in a New Podcast
Ruby Barker called out Netflix and Shondaland for the lack of support during her two psychotic breaks during the filming of Bridgerton.
Barker portrayed the role of Marina Thompson, a cousin of Featheringtons whose scandalous pregnancy makes her a social pariah in Regency-era London. Barker frequently appeared in the first season and returned as a guest actor in season 2.
According to the actor, her first psychotic break occurred in 2019 after she wrapped production on Bridgerton Season 1, followed by a second one in 2022.
During an interview on Oxford University’s The LOAF Podcast Barker stated that no one reached out to her. “Not a single person from Netflix, not a single person from Shondaland, since I have had two psychotic breaks from that show, have even contacted me or even emailed me to ask me if I’m okay or if I would benefit from any sort of aftercare or support.”
Oh Ruby… Truly an everlasting fight, some people are still willing to belittle mental health matters & other's experiences.
— Melsan ☕ (@Mimelsan) November 1, 2023
(To read in light of Ruby Barker 's last post about her experience on that Netflix / Shondaland production & her mental health these past few years.) pic.twitter.com/OoZiQkLld2
Barker claimed her character’s isolated nature negatively impacted her mental health.
“During filming, I was deteriorating,” she stated. “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.”
Barker also confessed that she went into hospital a week after shooting the first season of Bridgerton. “It was really covered up and kept on the down-low because the show was going to be coming out,” she stated.
“In the run-up to the show coming out, I was just coming out from hospital, my Instagram following was going up, I had all these engagements to do,” Barker stated. She felt her life change overnight, but still, there was no support. She expressed that despite her mental struggles she tried to work, without giving it much thought.
Last year Barker hinted on her Instagram that she was “really unwell for a really long time” and had been “struggling since ‘Bridgerton.'” At first, the actor thanked Netflix at the time for “saving her” by casting her in Bridgerton. But now she is criticizing the streamer for not supporting her.
Netflix and Shondaland haven’t given any comments on this yet. Watch Barker’s full appearance on the podcast on LOAF’s YouTube channel.
