Jonathan Bailey’s fans have furiously defended his honor after a Shondaland article he alluded that he should be grateful to Bridgerton for making his career, despite already being an accomplished actor.
The Wicked actor, 36, has played Anthony, also known as Lord Bridgerton, in the Netflix period drama since it premiered on the streamer in 2020.
However, before Bridgerton, Jonathan already had several film and television roles under his belt, something the Shondaland lifestyle website seemed to forget in its damning article tied to the release of his latest film, Wicked.
In his original article, published on December 2, the article was titled: “A timely ode (and perhaps a “You’re welcome” to?) Jonathan Bailey.”
Now it says: “A timely ode to Jonathan Bailey.”
Also revised was the opening paragraph, which initially read: “We at Shondaland would like to take the unusual and unprecedented step of apologizing and also saying, ‘You’re welcome,’ at the same time.”
Jonathan Bailey fans furiously defended his honor after a Shondaland article suggested Bridgerton should take credit for his success.
The Wicked actor has played Anthony, aka Lord Bridgerton, in the Netflix period drama since its premiere.
The piece has since been modified after backlash from furious fans.
Now he says: “When the brilliant team of producers behind Shondaland’s hit Netflix series Bridgerton cast Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, the Bridgertons’ eldest son and viscount of their noble house, perhaps we weren’t quite aware. of the new era of unholy thirst. that we would continue to mark the beginning.’
Jonathan’s career in television and film began long before Bridgerton.
He first appeared on screen in 1997 when he starred in the British television series Bramwell, when he was just nine years old.
He then had small roles in several procedurals, including The Bill and Lewis.
Jonathan starred alongside David Tennant and Olivia Colman in the British crime drama Broadchurch, which aired on ITV for three series between 2013 and 2017.
He also appeared heavily in the mock comedy W1A between 2014 and 2017, as well as the comedy Crashing, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
On the big screen, Jonathan appeared in the 2007 comedy film St Trinian’s.
Jonathan pictured alongside Bridgerton co-star Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma.
Many furious social media users have said that Shondaland should be lucky to have Jonathan returning to the franchise.
He was among the cast of Permanent Vacation and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, both released that same year.
Jonathan received a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award.
He won the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards in 2019 for his performance in the Musical Company.
In 2024, he won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Companion Movie/Miniseries.
Social media users were enraged by Shondaland’s original article and chastised the article for disrespecting Jonathan and “acting as if they created” his achievements.
Addressing X, one said: “Shondaland and Bridgerton should be VERY grateful that Jonathan Bailey is willing to return.”
Social media users were outraged by Shondaland’s original article.
“I’m ranting today and I also want to shame Shondaland for writing that messy article about Jonathan Bailey,” another posted.
“Put some respect into his name.”
A third said: “Shondaland saying that Jonathan Bailey owes his success to Bridgerton is so funny because he literally has so many other jobs that are better than Bridgerton.”
A fourth criticized: ‘All the backlash Shondaland is getting is well deserved. However, this could cause them to treat Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey worse, and probably redouble their favoritism, which can no longer be ignored.
“Treating Jonathan Bailey and Simone like you did during their season and now trying to capitalize and take credit for their success on Wicked, you should be ashamed,” a fifth fumed.
A sixth fumed: ‘Shondaland’s behavior as if they were the ones who created Jonathan Bailey’s success is truly bizarre…’ Has that man been working hard for years???’
‘Dear Shondaland, not so kindly… Fuck off and choke on some dirt while you’re at it!! Also, please keep Jonathan Bailey’s name out of your mouth…thanks and I hope you have a terrible day!’ added another.
An eighth wrote: “Shondaland and Bridgerton should be VERY grateful that Jonathan Bailey is willing to return.”