Frankie Bridge, a former member of the girl band The Saturdays, has spoken out against what she perceives as unequal treatment in the face of online criticism over her parenting choices. In a candid post, she highlighted the disparaging remarks she has received regarding her role as a mother to her two sons, Parker and Carter.
Bridge pointed out the contrast in reactions between herself and her husband, Wayne Bridge, emphasizing that he has not faced similar negative feedback when pursuing individual projects away from home. The tipping point for her came when she decided to take a short break to focus on her well-being after dealing with health issues, including the discovery of a benign tumor in her neck.
Addressing the broader issue of gender-based double standards, Bridge acknowledged her past naivety in underestimating societal expectations placed on women. She reflected on the disparities in how men and women in similar situations are judged, particularly in the entertainment industry where she has spent much of her career.
Despite feeling guilty initially for taking time off, Bridge expressed gratitude for her husband’s support and reassurance that he could handle parenting duties in her absence. However, she faced backlash from online critics who questioned her decision to prioritize self-care and accused her of neglecting her family responsibilities.
Bridge highlighted the unfair scrutiny and unwarranted advice that women often face, especially in the public eye, and concluded her post with a powerful message about the ongoing need for women to surpass higher standards than men in various aspects of life. She stressed the importance of women advocating for themselves and standing up against societal norms that perpetuate gender biases.