'Haters are going to hate': Bridgerton star Simone Ashley defends Nicola Coughlan on body-shaming comments

Bridgerton season 3 was all about actor Nicola Coughlan. The Irish star, who played the role of Penelope Featherington, has earned a lot of praise for her performance. Apart from all the love that she's currently receiving, there is a section of people who have been commenting on Penelope's body appearance. Amid this, Nicola's co-star Simone Ashley has come to her defence. 

The British actor, who plays Kate Bridgerton in the Netflix series, addressed the online criticism that Coughlan has received over her physical appearance. 

During a press conference at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco, the 29-year-old star said, "Yeah, the haters are going to hate, and I think we can all relate to that, but I really don't think that she's allowing that to bother her."

Further speaking, Ashley said, "She has a strong and fruitful career and entire life ahead of her. And I really believe in her, as the world does as well."

Sharing words of praise for her friend and co-star, she said, “I think Nicola is just absolutely flying. She is a gorgeous, strong, confident, intelligent woman, seeing her do this press tour and spread so much joy and inspiration to everyone — especially women — all over the world. And I’m inspired by her as well. She’s also a really kind human being, and I think that’s such a universal language that people can relate to.”

Nicola's reacts to trolls claiming ‘Bridgerton’ photoshopped her waist 

Nicola has been savagely reacting to all the trolling she has been receiving on her body appearance. Recently, Nicola hit back at the trolls claiming that her waist was photoshopped in the show.

In an interview with People, she said, “I saw some trolls. They were like, ‘They photoshopped your waist,’ and I was like, ‘No, they did not.’ ”

Explaining the reason behind her appearance, she said, “I think if you wear corsetry for long enough, your body really molds to it,” Coughlan explained.

“Sometimes they come in for a fitting for a fashion designer and they put a corset on me and I'm like, ‘Oh, you can go tight,’ and they go, ‘What do you mean?’ I'm like, 'My body now will go, 'Whew.' "