‘Bridgerton’ star Luke Newton and girlfriend Antonia Roumelioti speak out against ‘cruel’ comments

Antonia Roumelioti says online criticism and false claims have followed her for three years. Now, the dancer and model has pushed back against what she called the cruelty of social-media abuse directed at her and people close to her.

Roumelioti said that following someone online does not give people permission to spread lies, post cruel comments or tear down another woman. She described the level of hatred aimed at women on social media as “deeply disturbing,” while acknowledging that online harassment can affect a person’s mental health.

Although she said she has the strength and support to deal with the criticism, Roumelioti stressed that this does not make the behavior harmless. “I will not allow strangers on the internet to define me or disturb my peace,” she wrote in an Instagram Stories statement.

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I will not allow strangers on the internet to define me or disturb my peace.

Luke Newton later shared his own message, telling users to choose kindness rather than post hateful comments. “Be kind or simply click not interested,” wrote the British actor, who plays Colin Bridgerton in Netflix’s period drama. He added that people spreading negativity might eventually wonder what it was all for.

Neither Newton nor Roumelioti named a person or group, and they did not say whether one particular incident had prompted the statements. The couple were first linked romantically in 2024, appeared together on the red carpet the following year and became Instagram official in May 2025. Their relationship has drawn increased attention since the third season of Bridgerton, which focused on Newton’s character and Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan.

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Be kind or simply click not interested.