Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting

Bridgerton’s Bold Move Sparks Controversy

The moment I learned that Hannah Dodd’s Francesca and Masali Baduza’s Michaela would headline Season 5 of Bridgerton, I was thrilled. However, the rest of the so-called fanbase quickly derailed my enthusiasm, flooding social media with outrage.

Social Media Fallout Over Sapphic Romance

Scrolling through platforms reveals a flood of anxious reactions, primarily falling into two categories: disappointment over Eloise’s love story being postponed or fervent homophobes vowing to stop watching the show. Most of the frustration centers on Claudia Jessie’s Eloise, whose character has long resisted societal expectations of marriage.

While I wouldn’t have opposed seeing Eloise’s romance unfold earlier, I believe the emotional distress might be overblown. Francesca’s storyline—her union with John, meeting Michaela, and John’s untimely death—has already spanned two seasons. The foundation for their connection was clearly laid, making a third season feel redundant.

Reassessing Eloise’s Narrative Arc

Some fans insisted Francesca needed more time to grieve, citing a two-year time jump. Yet, I struggle to see how further episodes of sorrow would add much value. Eloise, on the other hand, deserves equal space to develop her romantic journey, much like Francesca did. Her arc will have room to grow in Season 5, despite her recent stagnation in pushing back against her mother’s marriage pressures.

It’s also worth noting that the series has altered timelines from the books before, such as swapping Colin and Benedict’s roles. This change enriched Benedict’s character and resolved Colin and Penelope’s tension, akin to the new dynamic between Francesca and Michaela. So, why should this shift be met with so much resistance?

Why can’t they just stick to the “tradition” of relationships in that period? We do not have to make everything we watch gay.

The backlash against Francesca and Michaela’s romance has been simmering since Michaela’s introduction at the end of Season 3 in 2024. This fury is tinged with misogynoir, as some fans equate LGBTQ+ representation with undermining traditional values.

Bridgerton has long featured LGBTQ+ characters, though often as secondary, male-driven subplots. Benedict’s bisexuality and the romance between Brimsley and Reynold in the Queen Charlotte spin-off are examples. These moments were generally well-received, which makes the current discontent toward the Francesca-Michaela pairing even more jarring.

Defending the Change

Critics argue that Francesca’s female love interest weakens her infertility storyline from When He Was Wicked. Yet, this is a weak point, as the struggle of childlessness is not exclusive to heterosexual couples. In the 1800s setting, a same-sex relationship would face unique challenges, offering a broader narrative to explore.

If I had my way, Eloise would be part of a women-loving-women storyline. But for now, the show’s decision to expand Francesca’s arc feels like a meaningful step forward. Fans of Eloise should temper their frustration, as it’s only adding to the pressure Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza face.

Subscribe to Metro’s TV Newsletter to receive updates on your favorite shows each morning. Click the link we send you to customize your news feed.

To view this video, enable JavaScript and upgrade to a browser that supports HTML5 video.