Film & TV3 min(s) read
'Bridgerton' star claims she contracted skin disease after filming X-rated bathtub sex scene for 7 hours
Bridgerton fans are no strangers to the show’s famously steamy moments, but one season four star has now revealed that filming one particular intimate scene came with a very real and uncomfortable consequence behind the scenes.
Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek in the latest installment of Netflix’s Regency-era hit, opened up about suffering a painful skin condition after shooting a bathtub sequence alongside co-star Luke Thompson, who portrays Benedict Bridgerton.
The actress shared the unexpected aftermath while discussing the challenges that came with bringing the romance-heavy storyline to life.
Netflix recently dropped part two of Bridgerton season four following the first batch of episodes released at the end of January, continuing the Shondaland drama’s exploration of forbidden love, hidden identities, and passionate relationships.
Bridgerton season 4 continues Benedict and Sophie’s secret romance
Season 4 centers on Benedict Bridgerton and his complicated relationship with Sophie Baek, a maid with noble roots hiding behind a carefully guarded identity.
The first half of the season saw Benedict captivated by a mysterious masked woman during a ball, unaware that the woman was actually Sophie in disguise.
As the second half unfolds, their romance deepens, with Benedict growing closer to Sophie without realizing she is the same woman who first captured his attention. The storyline leans heavily into emotional tension and longing, elements the series has become known for since its debut.
Alongside the romance, Bridgerton continues delivering the lavish visuals and intimate storytelling that have made the show a global success, with season 4 featuring multiple passionate scenes between the pair.
The bathtub scene that led to an unexpected health issue
One of the most talked-about moments in part two involves an intimate bathtub sequence between Benedict and Sophie.
While the scene may appear effortless on screen, Ha revealed it resulted in an uncomfortable medical issue shortly after filming wrapped.
"There’s a scene where we are in a bathtub and basically I put baby powder all on me because I was told it would help dry my skin to put the intimacy wear on with my tape," she explained during an appearance on Capital Breakfast.
"And then basically the next day after the bathtub, I got hives all over my body and got folliculitis and needed steroid cream!"
According to Mayo Clinic, folliculitis is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed due to a bacterial infection. A form linked to warm or contaminated water is often referred to as bath tub rash, also known as Pseudomonas folliculitis.
Ha believes the issue was caused by a combination of filming conditions rather than anything else.
"But I blame myself," Ha admitted, "because I think it was a combination of baby powder and the bath water."
Thompson also shed light on just how demanding the shoot was, revealing that the actors remained submerged in the tub for six or seven hours while filming, suggesting the extended time in water may have contributed to the reaction.
“But you were fine!” Ha said with a laugh. “So it’s me. I’m a sensitive gal.”