The rollout for BridgertonSeason 4 has hit a major snag as fans accuse Netflix Spain and Spanish media outlets of racial discrimination. The controversy centers on the treatment of Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek, the season’s primary romantic lead.
The trouble started after a promotional event on Feb. 18. Official photos and videos featured Ha alongside co-stars Luke Thompson and Hannah Dodd. However, viewers quickly noticed that Ha was consistently positioned at the far edge of group shots. In some social media clips, the vertical cropping completely removed Ha from the frame, leaving only Thompson and Dodd visible to viewers.
Netizens are particularly frustrated that Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca Bridgerton, appeared to receive more focus than the season’s actual lead. At a fan event in Spain, seating arrangements placed Ha at the end of the row, while Dodd sat directly next to the host.
Read more: Bridgerton Season 4, Part II Review: A Masterclass in Yearning and Representation
“Yerin should be the center of attention on her OWN SEASON,” one fan wrote on social media. Others pointed out that this isn’t the first time an Asian lead in the franchise has seemingly been sidelined during press tours, drawing comparisons to past promotions involving Simone Ashley.
and why do you put the leading lady far from the camera and the side character upfront?
— ca⋆˙⟡ (@wppuppy) February 18, 2026
Media Blunders and Misspellings
The criticism isn’t limited to seating charts. Spanish newspaper ABC drew fire for misspelling the actress’s name as “Yern Ha.” Additionally, broadcast footage from Europa Press reportedly featured a large watermark that partially covered Ha’s face for the duration of an interview.
the disrespect for yerin as the leading lady throughout the spain promo tour makes me roll my eyes pic.twitter.com/kM3XsBP087
— ca⋆˙⟡ (@wppuppy) February 18, 2026
These incidents have sparked anger among domestic and international fans. Many argue that because these issues did not occur during the show’s earlier tour in France, the repeated “mistakes” in Spain feel less like a coincidence and more like a pattern of exclusion.
A Career Built on Resilience
Ha, the granddaughter of veteran Korean actor Sohn Sook, has been open about her pride in her heritage. Before landing her role in the Regency-era romance, she appeared in the Halo series and has spoken about overcoming racial bullying during her childhood in Sydney.
In an interview with Hankook Ilbo, she mentioned that acting provided a path to healing. She also shared her grandmother’s wish for her to be recognized for her own talent, stating, “She once told me she wanted people to say not that Yerin Ha is Sohn Sook’s granddaughter, but that she herself is Yerin Ha’s grandmother.”
Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 arrives on Netflix on February 26. While fans are excited for the conclusion of Benedict and Sophie’s story, many are demanding that the platform do more to protect and highlight its diverse stars.
