Jonathan Bailey fans attack controversial Shondaland article for claiming Bridgerton 'made him'

• e-mail

Jonathan Bailey fans have furiously defended his honor after a Shondaland article alluded that he should be thankful to Bridgerton for making his career – despite already being an accomplished actor.

The Wicked actor, 36, has played Anthony, also known as Lord Bridgerton, in the Netflix period drama since it premiered on the streamer in 2020.

Prior to Bridgerton though, Jonathan already had several film and television roles under his belt – something that Shondaland's lifestyle website appeared to forget in its damning piece tied to the release of his latest film, Wicked.

In its original piece, published on December 2, the article was titled: 'A Timely Ode (and Maybe a "You're Welcome" for?) Jonathan Bailey.'

It now reads: 'A Timely Ode to Jonathan Bailey.' 

Also revised is the opening paragraph, which initially said: 'We at Shondaland would like to take the unusual, unprecedented step of apologizing and also saying, "You're welcome," at the same time.' 

Jonathan Bailey fans have furiously defended his honor after a Shondaland article hinted that Bridgerton should take credit for his success 

The Wicked actor has played Anthony, also known as Lord Bridgerton, in the Netflix period drama since it premiered

The piece has since been amended after backlash from furious fans.

It now reads: 'When the brilliant team of producers behind Shondaland's hit Netflix series Bridgerton selected Jonathan Bailey to play Anthony — the eldest Bridgerton son and the viscount of their noble house — perhaps we weren't quite aware of the new era of unholy thirst that we would go on to usher in.'

Jonathan's career in television and film began long before Bridgerton.

He first appeared on screen in 1997 when he starred in the British television series, Bramwell, when he was just nine years old.

He went on to have bit parts in various procedurals, including The Bill and Lewis.

Jonathan starred alongside David Tennant and Olivia Colman in the British crime drama Broadchurch, which ran on ITV for three series between 2013 and 2017.

He also had featured heavily in the mockumentary sitcom W1A between 2014 and 2017, as well as the comedy, Crashing, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

On the big screen, Jonathan appeared in the 2007 comedy film St Trinian's.

Jonathan pictured alongside Bridgerton costar Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma 

Many furious social media users have said Shondaland should be lucky Jonathan is returning to the franchise 

He was among the cast for Permanent Vacation and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which were both released that same year.

Jonathan is the recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award.

He achieved the Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards in 2019 for his performance in the musical Company.

In 2024, he won the Critics' Choice Television Award for best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries for Fellow Travellers.

Social media users were enraged by Shondaland's original article and scolded the piece for disrespecting Jonathan and 'acting like they created' his accomplishments.

Taking to X, one said: 'Shondaland and Bridgerton should be VERY grateful Jonathan Bailey is even willing to come back.'

Social media users were enraged by Shondaland's original article

'I'm on a rant today I also want to add shame on Shondaland for writing that mess of an article about Jonathan Bailey,' another posted. 

'Put some respect on his name.'

A third said: 'Shondaland saying Jonathan Bailey owes his success to Bridgerton is so funny bc he literally has so many other works that are better than Bridgerton.'

A fourth slammed: 'All the backlash Shondaland is getting is well deserved. This might make them treat Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey worse though, and they'll probably double down on their favoritism which can't be ignored anymore.'

'Treating Jonathan Bailey and Simone the way you did during their season and now trying to capitalize and take credit for his success in Wicked, you should be ashamed,' a fifth fumed.

A sixth raged: 'Shondaland acting like they created Jonathan Bailey's success is truly bizarre…. that man has been working his ass off for years???'

'Dear Shondaland, not so kindly… GO F*** YOUR SELF AND CHOKE ON SOME DIRT WHILE YOUR AT IT!! Also, please keep Jonathan Bailey's name outta your mouth... thank you, and I hope y'all have an awful day!' added another.

An eighth penned: 'Shondaland and Bridgerton should be VERY grateful Jonathan Bailey is even willing to come back.'