Bridgerton’s Katie Leung Opens Up About Harry Potter Casting Pain

Katie Leung, recognized for her role as Harry’s first romantic interest in the Harry Potter movies, is revisiting a difficult period from her past. In a recent interview, she shared how being thrust into the spotlight as a teenager brought not only sudden fame but also a wave of racist harassment and online attacks that left a lasting mark on her self-esteem.

Facing Racist Backlash and Online Hate

Leung described how overwhelming it was to be so young and suddenly so visible. She admitted to searching her own name online, only to find a flood of hateful comments that deeply affected her confidence and sense of self. Without much support to help her navigate the negativity, she struggled to cope with the pressure and scrutiny that came with her new celebrity status.

It was overwhelming from the get-go. Being in the spotlight from that age, when you’re already insecure, was difficult, to say the least… I remember being very curious about what people were saying about me, and I was Googling myself. Nobody could have stopped me, because I was old enough to make up my own mind.

I think it just sat with me, and it affected me in ways like, ‘Oh yeah, I made that decision because people were saying this about me.’ It probably made me less outgoing. I was very self-aware of what was coming out of my mouth. And for the longest time, I may have tried to make up for it and overcompensate.

The Controversy Around Cho Chang’s Name

Beyond the personal attacks, Leung also faced criticism over the name of her character, Cho Chang. Many fans have pointed out that the name feels generic and doesn’t accurately represent any particular Asian culture. Some have even said it echoes phrases that have been used to mock Asian languages, making it especially uncomfortable in hindsight.

This added another layer to Leung’s challenges. She was already dealing with the pressures of fame and racism, and now she had to carry a character name that many saw as a symbol of poor representation and a lack of cultural sensitivity. For Leung, it was a reminder of how little attention was paid to diversity and inclusion at the time.

Finding Belonging on the Set of Bridgerton

Over time, Leung learned to tune out the negativity and focus on her craft. This new outlook helped her embrace her role in the fourth season of Bridgerton, where she plays Lady Araminta Gun, a determined mother eager to see her daughters married. Joining the cast of the Regency-era drama, she immediately noticed a different atmosphere—one that was welcoming and supportive from day one.

Leung spoke about how the show’s commitment to diversity, both on and off camera, made her feel truly safe and valued as an actor. She described feeling “blessed” to be part of a production where inclusion wasn’t just a buzzword, but a reality she could see and feel every day.

It feels quite familiar, in a sense. Also, I’m older, and at a place in my life where I’m not too fazed going into something seemingly so huge.

Their inclusion and diversity behind and in front of the camera is just… You can see it and feel it, and that made me feel really safe to be able to kind of play as an actor.

Representation and Moving Forward

What stood out most for Leung was how natural and empowering representation felt on the Bridgerton set. Unlike her earlier experiences, she found herself in an environment where diversity was respected and celebrated, not just for show. For her, it was a powerful contrast to the isolation and scrutiny she faced as a young actress in a global franchise.

Both Harry Potter and Bridgerton are currently available to stream, offering viewers a chance to see Leung’s journey from a troubled start in the industry to a place where she finally feels at home.