Nicola Coughlan is not afraid of any negative reactions to her support for Palestine.
Coughlan recently told Teen Vogue that some people in the movie and TV business threatened her, but she’ll speak out for what she believes is right:
“You do get told [in Hollywood], ‘You won’t get work,’ ‘You won’t do this.’ But I also think, deep down, if you know that you’re coming from a place of ‘I don’t want any innocent people to suffer,’ then I’m not worried about people’s reactions.”
Coughan feels very fortunate about her own success. She believes she has to assist those who are less lucky:
“I think it’s important to me because firstly, I’m a very privileged person. I’m so lucky I’ve gotten to this point in my career, and I’m privileged as a white woman, first off. Then the fact that I get to do the job I love and travel the world and meet amazing people, I feel a moral responsibility to give back.”
This Isn’t Something New For Her
Coughlan says she was actively supporting various social issues even before being famous:
“Even before I was on television, I was involved in different causes. I went campaigning door-to-door for marriage equality in Ireland, I went on marches for abortion rights. I’ve always cared about causes and social justice… To me, it always becomes about supporting all innocent people, which sounds oversimplified, but I think you’ve got to look at situations and just think, ‘Are we supporting innocent people no matter where they’re from, who they are?’ That’s my drive.”
Coughlan motivated ‘Bridgerton’ fans to start a fundraising group called Polins x Care for Gaza. This group helps families in Palestine who have lost their homes. The name ‘Polin’ comes from the romance between Penelope and Colin in the show’s second season.
Coughlan doesn’t think her own opinions are the most important thing. But she knows her public voice can lead to change.
‘Bridgerton’s new season will begin streaming on Netflix on May 16. More episodes will follow on June 13.
