Another Bridgerton Lead of Asian Descent Faces Discrimination During Netflix Promo

Netflix built Bridgerton on the idea that love stories should reflect a modern, diverse world. The show often points to its inclusive casting as proof of that vision. But the Madrid press tour for Season 4 has reopened a familiar debate about whether that promise holds up in practice.

Korean-Australian actress Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek opposite Luke Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton, found herself at the centre of fresh backlash. Fans accused Netflix Spain and several Spanish outlets of sidelining her during promotional events. The criticism spread rapidly from Korean online platform theqoo to coverage on allkpop and into wider international fan communities, echoing concerns raised in previous seasons about how the series promotes its leads of colour.

The question now isn’t just about a seating chart. It’s about respect.

Madrid Press Event Raises Immediate Red Flags

Netflix hosted a masquerade-themed press event in Madrid featuring Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, and Hannah Dodd. All three are key cast members. But fans noticed something odd.

Yerin, the female lead of Season 4, sat at the far end rather than beside the host. Thumbnails and official posts from Netflix Spain highlighted Luke and Hannah. Some promotional framing made the trio look like a love triangle instead of the central Benedict and Sophie romance.

When Netflix Spain uploaded photos to its main accounts, fans pointed out that images of Luke and Hannah dominated the feed. Photos of Luke and Yerin together were harder to find. For a season centered on Sophie Baek, that choice felt deliberate to many viewers. Paris promotions did not spark the same reaction. Supporters say the contrast makes Spain stand out.

Impecable, queridos. pic.twitter.com/KT8iGNsHcl

— Netflix España (@NetflixES) February 17, 2026

Misspellings and Visual Erasure Spark Microaggression Claims

The backlash intensified when Spanish media misspelled Yerin Ha’s name as “Yern Ha.” Her character, Sophie Baek, was also incorrectly referred to as “Beckett.” Luke Thompson’s name, though more complex, appeared correctly.

Fans saw a pattern.

In one joint interview clip, a watermark partially covered Yerin’s face. Video thumbnails reportedly centered on white cast members. Viewers asked why the only actor of color in the lead couple kept facing these “mistakes.”

Each error might seem minor on its own. Together, they created the impression that Yerin was an afterthought in her own season.

Online reactions grew fierce. Many called the treatment disrespectful. Others described it as racial bias dressed up as oversight.

Fans Demand Protection and Accountability

The backlash did not stay on Korean forums for long. Fans took it to X and beyond, where many said this felt painfully familiar. Viewers argued that Bridgerton promotes itself as a beacon of representation, yet its actors of colour often carry the burden when controversy hits.

Yerin Ha’s situation has reignited comparisons to past seasons. Simone Ashley’s Kate Sharma, despite being a romantic lead opposite Jonathan Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton, was repeatedly sidelined in marketing. Kate remained listed by her maiden name long after marriage, missed major joint photoshoots, and was sometimes framed as secondary to Anthony in official coverage. Fans also recall Netflix Tudum spotlighting “just Anthony Bridgerton,” even when the scenes celebrated were built around Kate and Anthony together.

Regé-Jean Page, who played the Duke of Hastings, endured racist abuse during Season 1’s success. Ruby Barker, who played Marina, would later say no one from Netflix or Shondaland reached out after her mental health crisis. Meanwhile, fans point out that Shonda Rhimes publicly defended white cast members from harassment, raising questions about consistency when actors of color faced racial attacks.

Against that backdrop, the Madrid promo felt less like an isolated mistake and more like another chapter. Yerin’s name was misspelled. A watermark covered part of her face. Promotional framing leaned toward white co-stars. On their own, each issue could be dismissed. Together, fans say, they form part of a broader pattern woven into the fabric of Bridgerton’s promotion and public handling of its leads.

Supporters insist this is not an attack on Hannah Dodd or Luke Thompson. The issue is equal visibility and consistent protection. If Bridgerton wants to champion inclusive romance, it must prove that commitment in how it promotes and defends every lead. That responsibility will matter even more for Masali Baduza, who plays Michaela Stirling and could carry a future season. If she becomes a central love story, the burden cannot fall on her co-star alone. Production must be prepared to step in clearly and publicly when backlash turns hostile.