How the World Is Reacting to the Attack on Iran

A young Iranian protester shouts anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli slogans during an anti-war protest against the U.S. and Israeli military attacks, in Tehran, on Feb. 28, 2026. Credit - Morteza Nikoubazl—NurPhoto via Getty Images

World leaders reacted with a mix of support, condemnation and urgent calls for restraint after the United States and Israel launched a sweeping military campaign against Iran on Saturday thatkilledSupreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump announced Khamenei's death in a post on Truth Social, calling it "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country."

The U.S. and Israel announced their strikes on the Middle Eastern nation in the early hours of Saturday morning after weeks of Trump threatening Iran over their nuclear deal program. The strikes hit the capital Tehran, as well as Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Tabriz and Isfahan, where there is a major nuclear facility.

Read More:Does Trump Have the Legal Authority to Strike Iran? An Expert Explains

In the hours after the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes, Russia and China released statements in support of Iran, while Canada, Australia and Ukraine were among those who expressed support for the U.S. and Israel. Several world leaders urged restraint and de-escalation on both sides moving forward.

Here is a round up of what world leaders have said about the operation that has begun war in the Middle East.

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee as the country weighs its response to the attacks and Tehran's retaliation across the Gulf.

It did not participate in the military action, but the country had deployed RAF Typhoons to Qatar to protect the al-Udeid airbase and allied bases across the region.

The UK government on Saturday said in a statement it "does not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict." Still, a government spokesperson emphasized that "Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution."

Starmer released a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and  German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, telling Iran to stop their retaliatory attacks on countries in the Middle East.

"We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms," the joint statement reads. "We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."

Russia

Russia condemned the U.S. and Israel's attack, calling it  "a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state," in a statement from Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministryposted to Telegram.

It accused the U.S. and Israel of  "plunging the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation" and said the attacks could cause a "humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe" in the Middle East.

China

China's Foreign Ministry spokespersonsaid on Xthat "Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected."

"China calls for an immediate stop of the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East," the statement continued.

France

In addition to the joint statement with the leaders of the United Kingdom and Germany, French President Emmanuel Macronsaid on X, in a post originally in French, that the escalation "is dangerous for all."

"It must stop," he added. "The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith in negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional destabilization activities. This is absolutely necessary for the security of all in the Middle East."

He called for an "urgent" meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

European Union

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union's chief executive, saidin a statement on social mediathat the EU has "consistently promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programmes through a negotiated solution.""We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law," she said.

Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney saidin a statement on Xthat Canada supports the U.S. "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security."

"Canada's position remains clear: The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world's worst human rights records and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons."

Australia

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said in a statement on X that the country backs the U.S. in their military operation.

"We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security," he said.

The country also updated their travel recommendations to "Do Not Travel" for Lebanon and Israel.

Pakistan

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released astatementSaturday condemning what it calls "unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran," as well as retaliatory attacks by "Iran against the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE."

Advertisement

The Ministry confirmed that a Pakistani national was killed in the UAE during the attacks.

"We urge all sides to refrain from any further actions that may undermine the security and territorial integrity of other regional countries," the statement read.

India

India's Ministry of Foreign affairssaid in a statementthat the country is "deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region."

"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," it continues. "Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected."

Spain

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchezcalled on Xfor " immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law," decrying the potential for another "prolonged" war in the Middle East.

"We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order," he said. "We likewise reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard."

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes across the region in a statement.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the U.A.E., Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan,"  the statement reads.

United Arab Emirates

After the UAE was hit by retaliatory strikes from Iran, its Ministry of Foreign Affairscondemnedits neighbor in a statement, calling the strikes a  "flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations."

"The UAE underscored that it retains its full and legitimate right to respond to these attacks in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, and ensures the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international law," the statement continued.

Oman

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidisaid on XSaturday after the attacks that he was "dismayed."

"Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined," said Al Busaidi, who has been a key mediator in recent U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. "Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer."

United Nations

Volker Türk, the UN's Human Rights Commissioner, criticized both the strikes against Iran, and Iran's retaliatory strikes."As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price," he said in a statement on Saturday. "I call for restraint and implore all parties to see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the 'negotiating table' where they had been actively seeking a solution only hours earlier."

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned military action on all sides of the conflict.

"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability," Guterressaid on X

He also pointed out in the post that the UN's Charter prohibits "the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Iran for being "Putin's accomplice" in a poston X reactingto the escalation.

"It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians."

Albania

Albania Prime Minister Edi Ramasaid on Xthat Albania stands "firm with Israel and with the peace-seeking brotherly Arab countries" and that it supports the United States' military contribution.

"We fully endorse every decisive effort to prevent once and for all the murderers in Tehran from acquiring nuclear or any other military capacity to harm Israel or any other peace-loving nation in the Middle East," Rama said. "Terrorism must be named. And once named, it must be stopped."

Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Trump ally in Europe, immediately expressed concerns for how the strikes would impact oil prices. The strikes, he toldreporters, "doubled the importance of the Friendship oil pipeline," which runs through Ukraine. Shipments of Russian oil have been disrupted since January, and Orbán has accused Ukraine ofimposingan "oil blockade."

Kuwait

Kuwait's Ali Al Salem Air Base, which is used by the U.S. military, was also targeted as part of Iran's military retaliation. Kuwait released a statement condemning the Iranian attacks on their soil and asserted their right to respond to the "brazen attack" via Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Qatar

In similar statements to Kuwait and UAE, Qatar condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks and reaffirmed their own right to respond, as per international law.

"The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation of the targeting of Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles, considering it a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct infringement on its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region," the statement,posted to X, read.

Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salamsaid on Xthat he "will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity."

Contact usatletters@time.com.

byCustos Caelorum

in

February 28, 2026

How the World Is Reacting to the Attack on Iran

A young Iranian protester shouts anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli slogans during an anti-war protest against the U.S. and Isra...

Read More

Manon’s Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Black women pursuing acclaim in pop music have been grossly misunderstood throughout history. Most are overlooked or pigeonholed into R&B and soul genres. Others often take hard tumbles along the way to stardom while still not being fully appreciated for their contributions. Few break through.

Frankly, Black female pop stars pour themselves into an industry that doesn't always love them back.

It's hard not to think of this when considering Manon Bannerman's recent departure from the girl groupKatseye. Last week, the band's labelsHYBE and Geffen announced the newson Weverse (the HYBE-backed fan engagement platform), revealing that Bannerman was taking a temporary hiatus to "focus on her health and wellbeing." Shortly after, Bannerman, Katseye's sole Black member,released her own statement, which poked holes in the one shared by her labels.

"Hi, friends," the 23-year-old wrote via Weverse DMs. "I want you to hear this from me: I'm healthy, I'm okay, and I'm taking care of myself. Thank [you] for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can't wait to see you again."

Both statements sent shockwaves throughout the industry and the internet, leaving many to reflect on the loneliness Black women in pop girl groups face. But Bannerman's departure isn't only indicative of a plight in mainstream groups; instead, it's yet another consequence of the music industry's failure to fully see and support Black women in pop.

Katseye is the product of an experiment. Formed in 2023, the six-piece act (including Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung) was created by HYBE's K-pop-inspired competition seriesThe Debut: Dream Academy. Bannerman, who's Swiss-Italian and Ghanaian, was the last to join the group. Already having a following on social media for fashion content, she was scouted directly—becoming the only Katseye member not discovered onDream Academy. In 2024, the group dropped their first EPSIS (Soft Is Strong). That same year, their rise was chronicled in the Netflix docuseriesPop Star Academy: Katseye.

Since then, Katseye has swiftly become the It girl group. They've dropped a handful of Billboard-charting singles (including the viral hit "Gnarly"), secured a major brand deal with Pandora and appeared in a Fendi campaign, embarked on a world tour, announced their Coachella debut, and garnered twoGrammy nominations, including best new artist—all without a full-length album under their belt. The pressure was on for all the girls. But it's likely Bannerman felt a unique weight in all of this, given she's the group's only Black member. InPop Star Academy, Bannerman's missing rehearsals became a focal point, leaving some to speculate about her work ethic.

"Being called lazy, especially as a Black girl, is not fair," shetoldThe Cutearlier this month about the critiques. "Now I feel like I always need to put in extra work to prove something, even though I really don't."

Advertisement

As of this writing, Bannerman hasn't officially addressed the speculation that racism led to her exit. But sheliked a postthat stated, "Another Black girl subjected to racism and label mistreatment yet again." Following the news, Bannerman has received an outpouring of support from fellow musicians. During a performance at Blue Note NYC on Friday,Lizzo performed "Gnarly"and gave Bannerman a sweet shout-out: "We love you and support you, girl. Take your time." Leigh-Anne Pinnock, a Little Mix alum who wants tocollaborate with Normani and Bannerman,wrote on X, "We need to protect each other." Melody Thornton, the Pussycat Dolls' lone Black singer,posted a picture of Bannermanon her Instagram account with the caption, "We see you." On Discord,Chlöe Bailey wrote, "I'm so sad about Manon."

The overwhelming support for Bannerman seemingly reveals a shared understanding of just how inhospitable the music world can be toward Black women with pop ambitions. To be a Black woman in pop often means not being universally accepted, even by your own people. Early in her career, Whitney Houston—among the preeminent pop stars of all time—wasbooed at the 1989 Soul Train Awards. By that time, Houston achieved thebest-selling debut album by a solo artistand won 11 American Music Awards and a Grammy. But that didn't matter to some within the Black community who felt her music wastoopop.

Janet Jackson faced similar disrespect, but from whiter audiences. Her gargantuan musical legacy is often reduced to the2004 Super Bowl controversy, in which her wardrobe malfunctioned while performing, which derailed her reputation while reinforcing harmful tropes about Black women being hypersexual.

Today, there's a bit more room for Black female pop stars to thrive, though challenges remain. Superstars like Rihanna and Beyoncé are so massive that they've become their own brands. And although there are a growing number of Gen Z Black female singers with crossover appeal (Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Tyla), white women still comprise the bulk of pop success. Last year, the topglobal female artists on Spotifywere Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande. Dance-pop singer Tinashe has publicly shared her frustration with not being taken seriously as a pop artist, sharing that she felt constrained to the R&B category at the onset of her career: "I feel like when I first got in the game, I really pushed against wanting to be put in a box or be pigeonholed,"she told ELLEin 2024.

Normani, the lone Black member of former girl group Fifth Harmony, has faced serious challenges, too. When she was part of the band, she enduredracist bullying online. After they disbanded in 2018, Normani set out to pursue a pop solo career, made promising by her 2019 single "Motivation" and the accompanying, nostalgia-filled video. But her debut albumDopaminedidn't arrive until 2024 and fell short ofmainstream success. Like Tinashe, Normani has publicly shared her struggles. "It's almost like [pop] becomes a negative when it's a Black girl that looks like me, singing the records that I choose to sing because I loved them," shetoldRolling Stonein 2020.

Whether they're solo artists or part of a group, Black women in pop spaces are long overdue for proper treatment and respect. They deserve to be celebrated, to carve their own lanes and freely express themselves, rather than be confined to stereotypes and dictated by the industry's assumptions.

Bannerman has remained relatively quiet since announcing her hiatus, but she shared a message to her supporters on herInstagram Storythis week: "I love you all more than words can describe," she wrote. Although it's unclear when or if Bannerman will return, the love she's received from fans and fellow musicians proves that more Black female pop stars are needed—even if the rest of the world isn't quite ready for them.

You Might Also Like

• The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types

• 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)

byCustos Caelorum

in

February 28, 2026

Manon’s Katseye Hiatus Highlights an Isolating Journey for Black Women in Pop

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Bla...

Read More

Why Did the SAG Awards Change Their Name to the Actor Awards?

The Actor Awards—formerly known as theSAG Awards—is coming up onSunday, Mar. 1. But you may be wondering, why did the awards show change their name?

InNovember2025, SAG-AFTRA announced that, starting in 2026, the Screen Actors Guild Awards will now be known as "The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA."

According to the organization, the change was made to align the name of the awards show with the name of the statue that's handed out—like theOscars, Emmys,GrammysandGolden Globes. The trophy given out at the SAG Awards has been known as the "Actor" since the inaugural ceremony in 1995.

"Since the beginning, our statue has been called 'The Actor' and we're a show that's entirely about actors, so this new name is a perfect next step in the show's evolution," saidJon Brockett, executive producer of the awards show, according toDeadline. "'The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA' gives viewers in 190-plus countries an immediate understanding of who we are and what we're about."

RELATED:The 2026 SAG Awards Are Now 'The Actor Awards': Inside the Shocking Name Change, Nominations and More

According to an FAQ published by SAG-AFTRA, the name change had been in the works for a long time prior to the announcement. The idea gained traction after the live broadcast of the ceremony moved toNetflixin 2023, given that international audiences may not be familiar with what "SAG" means.

Advertisement

"We wanted to provide clearer recognition in terms of what the show is about for our domestic and global audiences – we honor actors in film and television," SAG-AFTRA said. "Laser-focusing the name on those two things became the clearest and most straightforward path for this new chapter of the show… and, as the show's global audience expanded through Netflix, the timing felt right to make the alignment official and step confidently into the show's next era."

However, despite the name change, the organization clarified they're okay with past award winners referring to their recognition as a "SAG Award."

"We understand there will be a period of transition where people—past winners and audiences included—will still refer to their award and the show as the SAG Awards, and that's OK," they said in the FAQ. "We know it'll take time to adjust to the change."

The 2026 Actor Awards will be held onSunday, Mar. 1 and will stream live on Netflix.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

This story was originally published byParadeon Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

byCustos Caelorum

in

February 28, 2026

Why Did the SAG Awards Change Their Name to the Actor Awards?

The Actor Awards—formerly known as theSAG Awards—is coming up onSunday, Mar. 1. But you may be wondering, why did the aw...

Read More

Kylie Kelce Says She and Husband Jason Already Have Thoughts About Their 4 Daughters Joining Social Media One Day (Exclusive)

Kylie Kelce tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that she and husband Jason Kelce have a plan in place when it comes to their four young daughters one day joining social media

NEED TO KNOW

• "I think it's our job as parents to let our kids be kids," the Not Gonna Lie podcast host says

• Kylie and Jason are parents to Finnley, 11 months; Bennett, 3; Elliotte, 4; and Wyatt, 6

KylieandJason Kelce'sfour daughtershave years before they'll ever joinsocial media, but their parents already have thoughts aboutwhen that moment may come.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kylie, 33, says she and Jason, 38, "have discussed" letting their girls —Finnley, 11 months;Bennett, 3;Elliotte, 4; andWyatt, 6 — one day use platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok, to name a few.

"We are really the first generation that's had access to social media for as long as we have, and during our developmental years, so we are big proponents ofnot allowing our kids to have that, especially when they're young," Kylie explains of herself and her husband.

"I think it's our job as parents to let our kids be kids," she continues. "Kids are meant to play. They aren't meant to be taking on the weight of the world or deal with comments online, or feel that they're not living up to this aesthetic lifestyle they see."

Adds the mom of four: "So in an effort to protect our girls, I think we will make a conscious effort to make sure they get to play and enjoy life, and really, truly lean into being kids."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

While Kylie is appreciative of the joys that social media can bring, she is also aware that it has a dark side and can sometimes be a "black hole."

"Social media can be so disappointing, because there are so many ways that it doesn't show the true scope of things, and it's not a full scope of what happens," theNot Gonna Liepodcast host says.

Advertisement

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

"People can post these beautiful things, and then you think, 'Oh, that's not what my life looks like,' and suddenly someone is down on themselves about the fact that their life isn't as aesthetic," Kylie continues.

"It also allows the opportunity for people to become keyboard warriors and post comments and messaging that otherwise would not get to the person that they're commenting on."

Kylie is one to lead by example when it comes to uplifting her four young children. She tells PEOPLE she doesn't letnegative thoughtsaffect how she talks about herself, because she knows her girlslook up to her as a role model.

"I really try my best to make sure that I speak positively about myself, even on the days that I don't necessarily feel it," Kylie, who continues her ongoing partnership withDovethrough a commercial that aired during the2026 Super Bowl, explains.

"You can say it as much as you want, but we're still human, so there are days when I find myself leading by example for our girls, recognizing, like, 'You know what? I might not feel that way right now, but it is how Ishouldbe talking about myself,' " she continues.

According to Kylie, "Motherhood has forced me into the idea that I do need to make sure that I'm speaking positively about myself."

"Becausemaking sure that girls are confidentnot only sets them up to be happier, but they will also have a more joyful feeling in life, ... and that joy can drown out the other mess," she further explains.

Read the original article onPeople

byCustos Caelorum

in

February 28, 2026

Kylie Kelce Says She and Husband Jason Already Have Thoughts About Their 4 Daughters Joining Social Media One Day (Exclusive)

Kylie Kelce tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that she and husband Jason Kelce have a plan in place when it comes t...

Read More

“Bridgerton”'s Michelle Mao Reveals How She Manifested Her Role and Handled Fan Reaction to Her ‘Antagonist’ Character (Exclusive)

Michelle Mao joined Bridgerton season 4 as Rosamund Li, stepsister to Sophie (Yerin Ha)

NEED TO KNOW

• Mao tells PEOPLE how "manifesting" helped her land the role and opens up about how she's handled the fan response to her character

• "[Playing] one of the main antagonists of the season comes with its own territory of navigating the online discourse," she says

JoiningBridgertonseason 4 was both a dream come true and a product of manifestation for Michelle Mao.

The 27-year-old actress playsRosamund Liin the latest installment of the hit Netflix series, a mean stepsister to Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), and the apple of the eye to her mother, Lady Araminta Gun's (Katie Leung).

In part 1, which premiered on Jan. 29, fans were introduced to the season's heroine, Sophie, who caught the eye of Benedict Bridgerton's (Luke Thompson) when she snuck into a ball uninvited. Sophie worked as a maid in Araminta's household despiteher birthright as the Earl of Penwood's daughter.

For Mao, the response to her debut has been two-fold. "It's been mostly positive," she tells PEOPLE. "I've been having such a good time being a part of this hype train and getting to see all of the memes and the videos and the jokes." But playing "one of the main antagonists of the season comes with its own territory of navigating the online discourse and bearing the brunt, I guess, of the very real and very valid frustrations that the viewers have."

"It's the first time people are meeting me, and so navigating that has been its own little journey," she says. "And I'm getting better at not letting it get to me and just holding onto the idea that it just means you did a good job as an actor, which is a good thing. I played my part really well."

She says that Netflix prepared her for what was to come. "They're super aware of that whole wider phenomenon that happens with the show, and they offer support to all the actors, and especially characters that are a little bit more susceptible to that."

During her first Zoom with showrunner Jess Brownell, Mao remembers that Brownell said, "I've been the target before," and "she did mention we have resources."

"We're all so familiar with how it works. [Fans] love really passionately, but then also when they get frustrated with things, it can also make itself known in a very overwhelming way," Mao says. "And I remember at the time, thinking, 'It's not going to happen to me. I was like, 'No, I'm sure I'll be fine.' "

She's been leaning on her costar, Leung, 38, who has her own experience with fierce fandom (Leung first appeared theHarry Potterfranchise in the 2005 movie,Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). "I did talk to Katie. She gave me a lot of advice, and she, also being one of the main antagonists of the season, also got her fair share of passionate responses, so I feel really blessed that I'm not going through it alone."

"Honestly, I think it's been great for me, because I think growing up, I was always such a people-pleaser, almost to an extent that was anxious for me," Mao continues. "And having Rosamund be kind of the first role that I'm in that breaks into public discourse a little bit, I think, was kind of like baptism by fire. It's like exposure therapy for me, where I'm like, 'Wow, I feel so free portraying this character that is unlikable, and she's meant to be unlikable.' "

Advertisement

Regardless of the complicated fan response, theZistar says joining the cast of the hit regency series is "such a fairy tale thing for me."

"I was such a fan ofBridgertonfrom COVID, when it came out — it's all we had. And I remember watching it and just thinking, 'Whoa.' It honestly, quite literally, was the first time I realized, maybe there is a chance that I could do a period piece." It inspired her so much that she "rented out a period dress and I shot a little video for my [audition] reel, because I was like, 'You never know when that will come in handy.'"

"I have this thing about manifesting," Mao says.

The show not only fulfilled her dream of starring in a period piece, but she was also part of a new wave of cultural conversations thatBridgertonintroduced this season, as Rosamund, Araminta and Posy (Isabella Wei) speak Cantonese on the show. "It was everything for me," Mao says. "To speak Cantonese on the show and see all the little details in the interior decor that they have for the Penwoods reflect my culture, it was kind of surreal."

"If I could go back in time to COVID and be like, 'By the way, you're going to be on this show,' she would have lost her mind."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

With part 2 now streaming on Netflix, Mao says it's "bittersweet that whole era is coming to an end," but she's ready for what's next. "I feel really acutely, I think, whatBridgertonhas done for me, because ever since bookingBridgerton, I've been working at a frequency that has never happened before in my entire career, and really it feels like such a blessing and it's so exciting."

"I really just have to keep in mind that what's happening right now is the momentum thatBridgertongives you. It's not something to be taken for granted. And it is such a blessing to be working — and it is also such a blessing forBridgertonto not be your end point, but be your launching pad."

Bridgertonseason 4 is now streaming on Netflix.

Read the original article onPeople

byCustos Caelorum

in

February 28, 2026

“Bridgerton”'s Michelle Mao Reveals How She Manifested Her Role and Handled Fan Reaction to Her ‘Antagonist’ Character (Exclusive)

Michelle Mao joined Bridgerton season 4 as Rosamund Li, stepsister to Sophie (Yerin Ha) NEED TO KNOW Mao te...

Read More