Netflix Bridgerton spin-off rocked by allegations of bullying and abusive behaviour

A spin-off series to Netflix’s smash hit Bridgerton has been hit with damning allegations of abusive behaviour during filming.

A top Bridgerton executive has been fired by Netflix bosses amid claims of abusive behaviour and bullying on set.

Production design chief Dave Arrowsmith was working on a limited prequel series to the smash hit period drama, which just released its second season on the platform.

But it has been claimed Mr Arrowsmith – a veteran TV and film boss – “crossed the line” with colleagues and he was subsequently sacked from the Shondaland production.

Bridgerton season two dropped on Netflix in March, with a prequel spin-off currently in the works. Picture: Netflix

Executives at the streaming giant have confirmed he is no longer working on the spin-off series — which will follow the early lives of the show’s main characters, including Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton.

Sources say “bullying” has become an issue on set — even leading to show chiefs introducing an anonymous whistleblowing hotline for staff to report concerns and abuse.

Mr Arrowsmith, who was in charge of the sets and aesthetics on the show, has previously worked for the BBC and ITV on shows including Doctor Who and Cold Feet.

A source said: “There have been several issues on set, and a few crew members expressed concerns about a number of different incidents.”

A Netflix spokesman confirmed Mr Arrowsmith is no longer working on the drama, but declined to comment further.

The spin-off series is expected to air next year.

Bridgerton – based on novels by Julia Quinn – debuted its first season with Phoebe Dynevor and Rege-Jean Page in December 2020, with some 82 million households tuning in during its first 28 days on the platform.

Bridgerton became Netflix’s biggest original debut when it premiered in December 2020. Picture: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

It became Netflix’s biggest original debut ever, before being overtaken by Squid Game in October.

Bridgerton has also been renewed for seasons 3 and 4, with plans to continue for at least eight seasons.

Season 3 will begin filming between June and August.

“There are eight Bridgerton siblings, and as far as I’m concerned, there are eight Bridgerton seasons. And maybe more,” Shondaland founder, Shonda Rhimes, told Variety.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Netflix Bridgerton spin-off rocked by allegations of bullying and abusive behaviour