Bridget Jones star Renée Zellweger hits back at ‘woke’ criticism as Hugh Grant character branded ‘sexist’
Renée Zellweger has launched a passionate defence of her iconic Bridget Jones character after critics branded the role “toxic”.
The actress, who has portrayed the beloved character for 25 years, spoke out following the release of the fourth film in the franchise, Mad About the Boy.
Recent criticism has targeted the character’s portrayal, with some viewers claiming the films promote sexism, ageism and anti-fat bias.
However, Zellweger has firmly rejected these accusations, expressing her enduring love for the character that has become a British cultural touchstone.
Speaking to The Sun, Zellweger stated: “I don’t find it toxic, in my opinion. I love Bridget Jones. I’ve always loved Bridget Jones, and I love her more with every reunion.”
The criticism has particularly focused on the character’s weight obsession and the portrayal of relationships in the films.
Hugh Grant’s character Daniel Cleaver has also faced scrutiny, with some viewers labelling his behaviour towards Bridget as “sexist” in the first film.
The franchise has drawn criticism from so-called “woke” fans who have questioned the character’s focus on weight and finding a romantic partner.
Addressing the weight criticism specifically, Zellweger explained that Bridget’s self-consciousness represents a broader theme.
“I’d always thought of it more generally as a representation of how we pick on ourselves about things that are entirely of no consequence – because she’s not an overweight person,” she told The Sun.
The Oscar-winning actress emphasised that the character’s concerns about her appearance reflect universal insecurities rather than promoting negative body image.
“She’s cute and there’s nothing at all wrong with her or her experiences or where she is,” Zellweger added.
In the latest instalment, Mad About the Boy, Bridget’s storyline features a relationship with a younger man, played by Leo Woodall.
Woodall has defended the age-gap romance in the film, telling Stellar Magazine: “When two people find the connection, why shouldn’t they see where it goes without judgment?”
He argued that such relationships are “not uncommon” in real life but are rarely portrayed in films.
The actor also praised Zellweger’s portrayal, particularly her British accent, saying: “With Renée – partly because she’s so good, but also because this character has been a part of her for such a long time – nothing about it seemed unnatural in any way.”
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Zellweger emphasised that Bridget’s imperfections serve as an inspiration to audiences.
“It gives everybody permission to be who we are and to feel like, ‘Yeah, I don’t have to get it right, and I can still be happy, and I can still get the guy, and I can still do well,'” she explained.
The actress highlighted how the character’s authenticity resonates with viewers.
“Even if it looks messy on the outside, I’m still good at what I do. And I’m still apparently cute enough for these handsome men to want to share my life,” she concluded.