Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the hit TV show “Bridgerton,” and the cast of the show’s fictional Queen Charlotte at her Washington, D.C., home on Wednesday.
The event was meant to honor Rhimes and the Queen Charlotte cast for their work on the Netflix series, which has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut last year. Rhimes and the cast were also in town to meet with lawmakers and discuss issues related to the entertainment industry.
Harris, who is known to be a fan of “Bridgerton,” reportedly discussed the importance of representation in entertainment during the gathering. She praised Rhimes for her trailblazing work as a Black female showrunner and for creating stories that reflect the diversity of the American experience.
The Queen Charlotte cast, which includes actresses Golda Rosheuvel, Sabrina Bartlett, and Adjoa Andoh, also shared their experiences working on the show and the impact it has had on their lives and careers.
Rhimes, who was recently inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, has been a driving force in the entertainment industry for more than a decade. She is the creator of several hit TV shows, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” and is widely recognized as one of the most influential showrunners of her generation.
The meeting with Harris comes as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues related to representation and diversity. Many have called for more opportunities for underrepresented communities in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.
The “Bridgerton” series, which is set in Regency-era England, has been praised for its diverse cast and its handling of issues related to race and identity. The show has also been criticized by some who argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black people and romanticizes colonialism.
Despite the controversy, “Bridgerton” has been a huge success for Netflix, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the show’s steamy romance and scandalous plot twists. The show has already been renewed for a second season, with Rhimes and the Queen Charlotte cast set to return.