'Bridgerton' Actor Regé-Jean Page Among Those Who Call Out Anti-Nipple Body Shaming

It’s 2022 and we are still a long way from #FreeTheNipple it seems. The latest target for nipple-shaming is British actor Florence Pugh, who wore a sheer, Valentino halter neck gown for the Valentino Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2022 show in Rome recently. Needless to say, the Black Widow actor looked stunning in the hot pink, tulle creation, perfectly cinched in at the waisted, along with matching block heels. But the Internet uproar about the diaphanous gown forced Florence to respond with a lengthy Instagram post, slamming all the body shaming and vulgar comments (and patriarchy in general).  

She shared that she was not at all nervous about donning the see-through gown and that she was unconditionally proud of her body, irrespective of all the positive and negative comments. She wrote, “What’s been interesting to watch and witness is just how easy it is for men to totally destroy a woman’s body, publicly, proudly, for everyone to see.” She also spoke about growing up with curvy, powerful women in her household and concluded by saying, “Grow up. Respect people. Respect bodies. Respect all women. Respect humans. Life will get a whole lot easier, I promise. And all because of two cute little nipples…”

Debates about objectifying and sexualising women’s bodies are not new. And neither is the obsession over the visibility of women’s nipples. Afterall, everybody has them. And in the same spirit of solidarity, many celebs including actor Jameela Jamil, a fierce body-positivity and mental health advocate, and Bridgerton actors Regé-Jean Page and Nicola Coughlan, expressed their support for Florence. Jameela praised Florence saying, “You're a magical f*cking queen and we do not deserve you.”

Regé-Jean amplified Florence’s post through his Insta handle and urged men to be better allies and end misogyny. He wrote, “Take a look at yourself fellas. Then take a look at your mates and step up when it’s time to step up. When the boys are out of line, have a word. The weird thing about misogyny is men actually listen to other men, so do your bit, cos the next few years in particular are gonna be a really good time to listen, and take some responsibility, for everyone’s sake.”  

Even American actors Aubrey Plaza and Joey King showed their support online, with Joey commenting, “You are truly so amazing. You put into words what so many feel but can’t articulate.” We second that, more power to you Florence!