Shonda Rhimes Explains Why Netflix Is Suing the Creators of 'The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical'

Shonda Rhimes is speaking out to defend Netflix’s decision to file a lawsuit against the creators of The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical.

Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear‘s project began as a TikTok musical and grew into an actual album, which went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

While Netflix appears to have supported the project in the early stages, the streamer objected to Barlow & Bear mounting a live stage version of the musical. The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album Live in Concert was performed at the historic Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this past week with a cast that included big names from Broadway.

Variety wrote that “the stage show reportedly featured more than a dozen songs that involved exactly copied dialogue, character traits, expression and other elements from Bridgerton.”

Shonda, who is the executive producer behind Bridgerton, has released a statement to explain why Netflix is suing the team. Many fans have expressed disdain at Netflix for filing the lawsuit.

Click inside to read the statement…

“There is so much joy in seeing audiences fall in love with Bridgerton and watching the creative ways they express their fandom,” Shonda said (via Variety). “What started as a fun celebration by Barlow & Bear on social media has turned into the blatant taking of intellectual property solely for Barlow & Bear’s financial benefit. This property was created by Julia Quinn and brought to life on screen through the hard work of countless individuals. Just as Barlow & Bear would not allow others to appropriate their IP for profit, Netflix cannot stand by and allow Barlow & Bear to do the same with Bridgerton.”

Netflix said in a statement, “Netflix supports fan-generated content, but Barlow & Bear have taken this many steps further, seeking to create multiple revenue streams for themselves without formal permission to utilize the Bridgerton IP. We’ve tried hard to work with Barlow & Bear, and they have refused to cooperate. The creators, cast, writers and crew have poured their hearts and souls into Bridgerton and we’re taking action to protect their rights.”