Petition to Netflix to cancel the “Philip Crane / Eloise Bridgerton” storyline in the series “Bridgerton” and to consider creating an alternative, inclusive portrayal of Eloise.

     We, the undersigned viewers of Netflix, address the company’s management with a demand to reconsider and cancel the currently planned storyline that envisages a romantic relationship between the characters Philip Crane and Eloise Bridgerton in the series “Bridgerton”, and to instead propose an alternative, ethical and inclusive version of her story.

     The “Philip Crane / Eloise Bridgerton” storyline is a cause of deep concern because it:

1. Romanticizes and normalizes sexual violence within marriage.  
In the source material and related storylines, there are elements of coercion, the absence of full, free and informed consent, as well as a disregard for one partner’s boundaries and wishes. Presenting such dynamics as “romantic” or as a “happy ending” blurs the understanding of what constitutes respectful and safe relationships.

2. Normalizes psychological abuse and toxic patterns in relationships.
The story is built on power imbalances, emotional pressure, guilt-tripping, and the idea that a woman should “resign herself” to a marriage that is not initially based on mutual understanding and respect. This is especially dangerous for younger audiences who are only beginning to form their understanding of healthy boundaries.

3. Perpetuates the toxic narrative that a woman cannot be happy without marriage and a man.  
In many contemporary media products, audiences are still presented with the outdated and harmful idea that a woman is only considered “complete” if she has a husband, children and marriage. Continuing this stereotype through the character of Eloise—especially given her personality, critical thinking and skepticism toward marriage—means reinforcing a scenario in which a woman has no right to happiness outside of romantic relationships.

4. Contradicts Netflix’s stated values.
The platform publicly declares its support for human rights, gender equality, LGBTQ+ people and the inadmissibility of violence. Promoting a story that can be read as justifying or romanticizing violence within marriage is in direct conflict with these values and sends a highly ambiguous message to audiences.

5. Harms vulnerable groups of viewers.
People who have experienced sexual, physical or psychological violence may be retraumatized when they see their experiences being trivialized or romanticized. Young viewers may internalize the idea that violence, pressure and disregard for consent are an acceptable “part of love” and marriage.

     We believe that a truly progressive and optimal solution would be to create a storyline for Eloise Bridgerton in which:

- Eloise remains single and happy without marriage, realizing herself in other areas of life (education, public and social engagement, intellectual pursuits, friendship, etc.);  
- Eloise can be portrayed as a character with an asexual and/or aromantic orientation, for whom the absence of romantic and sexual relationships is not a “deficiency” or a “trauma” but a natural and respected life choice;  
- Such a narrative turn would become an important step in the representation of asexual and aromantic people, who are almost entirely invisible in mainstream culture, especially in major popular media franchises.

     There are already elements of queer representation in the series (for example, changing Francesca’s storyline and turning Michael into Michaela). This demonstrates that the creators are willing to depart from the letter of the books and adapt the material to contemporary values of inclusivity. A natural question arises: why can Francesca and Michaela be represented as a lesbian couple, while Eloise cannot be represented as an asexual/aromantic character who is happily unmarried?

     Such a decision:

- Does not require destroying Eloise’s established character, but rather logically continues the traits she already has;  
- Highlights the diversity of possible paths for women, which are not limited to romantic happiness through marriage;  
- Provides millions of viewers with asexual and aromantic experiences with long-awaited, respectful representation.

     In light of the above, we demand that Netflix:

1. Abandon the storyline in which Eloise Bridgerton marries Philip Crane, if it involves the romanticization of sexual and psychological violence, coercion and the disregard of consent.

2. Consider and implement an alternative storyline for Eloise, in which:  
   - She remains unmarried and is clearly and unequivocally shown as a happy, fulfilled and socially significant individual;  
   - She can be represented as an asexual/aromantic character (either with her identity explicitly stated on screen, or with a maximally clear subtext), without any attempt to “fix” her through a romantic relationship.

3. Reconsider the creative approach to adapting the original material, taking into account contemporary understandings of consent, gender equality and inclusive representation of different orientations, including asexuality and aromanticism.

4. Ensure transparent communication with the audience, including:  
   - An official confirmation of Netflix’s position on the inadmissibility of romanticizing violence in relationships;  
   - A willingness to hear and take into account viewers’ requests for diverse and respectful representation, including that of asexual and aromantic people.

     We are not opposed to complex, ambiguous and challenging storylines. We are opposed to the romanticization of violence and to the imposition of a single “correct” scenario of female happiness through compulsory marriage and romantic relationships.

From a platform of Netflix’s scale, we expect a responsible cultural stance and genuine respect for the diversity of human experience.

     By signing this petition, we call on Netflix to:

- Reject the violent and toxic “Philip Crane / Eloise Bridgerton” storyline;  
- Consider creating a progressive storyline for Eloise in which she is happy without marriage and/or is represented as an asexual/aromantic character;  
- Take responsibility for the stories and values that are conveyed through one of the platform’s most popular series.