In a surprising revelation from the set of the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton season four star Yerin Ha has disclosed that she developed a painful skin condition following the filming of an intimate bathtub sex scene. The actor, who plays Sophie Baek in the romantic drama, explained that the incident left her with hives and folliculitis across her body.
Six-Hour Bathtub Ordeal Leads to Medical Issue
During a recent appearance on Capital Breakfast with her co-star Luke Thompson, Ha detailed the uncomfortable aftermath of shooting the steamy scene. "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 revealed. "And then basically the next day after the bathtub, I got hives all over my body."
Thompson confirmed they spent approximately six hours filming in the bathtub to capture the perfect shots for the romantic sequence. Remarkably, while Ha suffered significant skin irritation, Thompson emerged completely unaffected by the lengthy immersion. "So it's me, I'm a sensitive gal," Ha quipped about the differing reactions.
Understanding Folliculitis and Its Causes
Ha specifically identified her condition as folliculitis, which occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. According to medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically include:
- Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles
- Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over
- Itchy or burning skin sensations
The Cleveland Clinic notes that folliculitis can result from various daily activities including shaving, hot tub use, and excessive sweating from exercise or outdoor work. Ha believes her particular case resulted from "a combination of baby powder and the bath water" during the extended filming session.
Season Four Plot Developments and Character Death
The bathtub scene appears in the final four episodes of Bridgerton season four, which Netflix released recently. This installment follows Benedict Bridgerton's (played by Thompson) Cinderella-style romance with the Lady in Silver at a masquerade ball, later revealed to be hardworking maid Sophie Baek (played by Ha). The season charts their growing relationship as they navigate intense class barriers and societal obstacles.
In a shocking parallel development within the same episode batch, another major storyline unfolds with the unexpected death of beloved character Lord John Stirling. At the beginning of episode six, after everything seems to be improving for introverted couple John and his wife Lady Francesca Stirling (née Bridgerton), tragedy strikes when John dies unexpectedly during a nap.
Actor Victor Alli, who portrayed John, revealed to Netflix's Tudum that his character's cause of death was an aneurysm, information confirmed to him by the Bridgerton creative team during production. "I wanted to fall off a horse," Alli commented about his character's untimely demise, highlighting the dramatic narrative choices in the latest season.
The contrasting experiences of Ha's real-life medical issue and the fictional character death underscore the physical demands of television production alongside the emotional storytelling that has made Bridgerton a global phenomenon. As the series continues to explore romantic narratives against historical backdrops, Ha's revelation offers a rare glimpse into the less glamorous realities behind creating intimate scenes for modern audiences.
