ISLAMABAD: You star Madeline Brewer has spoken out strongly against online trolls criticizing her appearance, following her role as Brontë, aka Louise Flannery, in the final season of the hit Netflix series.
Despite portraying the powerful female lead who ultimately defeats serial killer Joe Goldberg, Brewer has faced a surprising wave of hate—most of it targeting her looks rather than her performance.
In a candid interview with People Magazine, the 33-year-old actress admitted she didn’t expect universal praise for her character, but certainly didn’t foresee being labeled “ugly” by some fans of the show. “I get that I’m not everybody’s cup of tea, but I’m not ugly,” she asserted, responding to harsh online comments.
Misogyny and Fan Backlash
Brewer expressed disappointment in how viewers, especially young women, reacted negatively to her role. “I had thought the largest fan base of this show is women… I never anticipated the amount of misogyny to be fired at me,” she said. Reflecting on the backlash, she believes some fans were upset that a woman—especially a new, unconventional one—was responsible for ending Joe’s twisted arc.
“It especially pisses them off that it was a woman. And not just any woman, but one they don’t find attractive,” she explained. Brewer described the online trolling as a manifestation of deep-rooted biases, saying she was called things like “goblin” and even accused of needing plastic surgery.
Stronger and Unbothered in Her 30s
Though the remarks triggered memories of childhood bullying, Brewer says she’s better equipped to deal with such negativity today. “If this had happened when I was 25, I would have crumbled… Now, I don’t care,” she said, crediting therapy and maturity for her resilience.
She also shared how her fiancé, cinematographer Jack Thompson-Roylance, has been her rock. “He thinks I’m the most beautiful woman in the whole world,” she beamed. The couple is set to marry in July in England, with Brewer planning a wedding inspired by “Bridgerton by day and Saltburn at night.”
