Forbes Article on Mixed-Weight Romance Sparks Backlash

A Forbes article referring to the on-screen romance between Bridgerton characters Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton as a 'mixed-weight relationship' has sparked widespread backlash. The piece, written by Virgie Tovar, claimed a 'mixed-weight romance' defies conventional romance plotlines because Nicola Coughlan, who portrays Penelope, is larger than Luke Newton, who plays Colin. Critics, including TV host Lorraine Kelly, and fans of the show ridiculed the term 'mixed-weight', arguing it unnecessarily emphasizes body types and is hypocritical, given that larger men with smaller women have long been depicted without issue. Many pointed out the inherent double standard and questioned why the focus on body size arises only when the woman is heavier. The backlash highlights broader societal issues around weight bias and representation in media.