Bridgerton author speaks out after fans slam hit Netflix show’s plot twist

The author of the Bridgerton series has spoken out after the hit Netflix show was slammed for its queer plot twist.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Bridgerton season 3

The author of the Bridgerton series has spoken out after the hit Netflix series was slammed for its queer plot twist in the Season 3 finale.

Julia Quinn, who wrote the novels before it was adapted into a TV series for Netflix, has defended the streaming giant after fans expressed their disappointment over the gender-swap in the last episode.

For context, in the Bridgerton books, Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) marries John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli). But, as devoted readers will know, he dies in the books and Francesca will fall in love with John’s best friend and cousin, Michael Stirling.

Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) is in the middle of the drama.

However, in the Netflix version, the role of Michael is flipped to be woman name Michaela Stirling (played by Masali Baduza), who is introduced moments before the end of Season 3.

The sexual chemistry is immediate for Francesca, with Michaela leaving her lost for words as they all embark on their trip to Scotland together to live on John’s estate. It’s believed the queer love triangle will play out in the upcoming Season 4.

Production company Shondaland has swapped genders of a new character, with Masali Baduza now playing Michaela Stirling.

In a statement shared on Instagram today, the author says she supports Netflix’s vision for the show as she is “deeply committed to Bridgerton becoming more diverse and inclusive as the stories move from book to screen”.

“I trust Shondaland’s vision for Bridgerton, but I wanted to be sure that we could remain true to the spirit of the book and the characters,” she wrote, referring to the production company helmed by renowned TV writer and producer Shonda Rhimes.

“I made it clear that it was extremely important to me that Francesca’s abiding love for John be shown on screen.”

Francesca marries John Stirling (Victor Alli) in the series.

After many discussions, Quinn said she was confident that her beloved characters’ stories will shine on the screen.

“Honestly, it may pack even more punch, since John is getting a lot more time on the screen than he ever did on the page, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve all fallen a little bit in love with him.”

The author also said she hopes fans will “grant me and the Shondaland team some faith as we move forward”.

“I think we are going to we are going to end up with two stories, one on the page and one on the screen, and they will both be beautiful and moving,” Quinn added.

Author Julia Quinn addresses Bridgerton fans’ concerns.

Her statement comes amid criticism from both fans of the books and the show over the gender-bending of Francesca’s future love interest, some even declaring they’ll “stop watching after Season 3” because “they really did us wrong with this one”.

“That sucks! I had such a crush on the guy she eventually ends up with in the book!” tweeted one fan. “I was looking forward to seeing who they chose to play him! They had such amazing chemistry in the book.”

“I’m not pleased with this,” chimed in another, with one also commenting, “Michael and Francesca’s story is one of the best in the series. So disappointing if they go ahead with this.”

“Thank you Netflix for ruining yet another good thing by forcing the LGBTQ+ agenda. If you want this kind of representation on screen, then find a series with these themes to adapt,” wrote another.

Quinn released a lengthy statement on Instagram.

The author says she has faith in Shondaland and Netflix.

“Stop changing other beloved series to make this happen. You cheapen the LGBTQ+ movement by forcing it onto audiences and then wonder why fans are left feeling frustrated.”

However, there were some supporters among the noise.

“I’m here for it. No matter what. The books are a basis for the show. They can change what they want to change,” one fan noted.

“That’s the beauty of a TV series, it’s an adaptation!” echoed another. “It’s not exactly like the books because Shonda Rhimes is making it how she wants. If you don’t like it don’t watch it and stick to the books.”

This season of Bridgerton has proved to be its most successful, clocking up more than 45 million views when the first four episodes dropped on May 16, that is roughly 165.2 million hours of view time, according to Forbes.

Originally published as Bridgerton author speaks out after fans slam hit Netflix show’s plot twist