The BBC listed Bridget Jones on its 2016 Woman’s Hour Power List — a controversial decision that’s received big backlash on Twitter.
“Ok, so she’s not a real person,” BBC wrote. “But when unlikely fictional role model Bridget Jones first appeared in the 90s she had a huge impact ‘on how women felt about themselves and how women saw themselves,’ according to our judges.”
But critics of the choice say there are enough real-life female heroines, so resorting to a fictional character is a bit insulting. Others said Helen Fielding — the author of the Bridget Jones books — merited the honor.
Out of half global population #whpowerlist couldn't find 7 actual women without choosing *fictional* Bridget Jones. Really? @BBCWomansHour
— Rachel Curley (@rachelcurley73) December 14, 2016
I think the #whpowerlist judges have made a massive mistake placing a fictional character on there instead of the WOMAN who created her.
— Charlie Parker (@misscaparker) December 14, 2016
Bloody hell, can we stop with the "honouring" of fictional women when there are scores of real women who deserve it more? #WHPowerList
— Louise MacGregor (@cutpriceguignol) December 14, 2016
Well done @BBCWomansHour you've now conceivably created a future list where fictional women are more influential than real #whpowerlist pic.twitter.com/cwP5z8RM0V
— Sheriff Bart (@ADgetalife) December 14, 2016
#whpowerlist Bridget Jones. A fictional woman obsessed with weight gain and bagging a chap. Seriously????
— Sharon Lee (@lee_slee) December 14, 2016
#whpowerlist You had so many women to choose from and BRIDGET JONES is on there? A fictional character. Are you joking?
— Moll (@ttttaxidermied) December 14, 2016
#whpowerlist Sorry, am just not getting why they chose Bridget Jones. They do know that she is fictional, don't they?
— Julie B (@jay_bro) December 14, 2016
Several Brits were also peeved that Bridget Jones made the cut while Queen Elizabeth got snubbed.
Surprised a fictional character was on the #whpowerlist when the Queen wasn't.
— Liam Stallard (@LiamStallard1) December 14, 2016
#WHPowerList altogether a bit disappointed particularly with a fictional character! Methinks the Queen may be disappointed!
— AngHopper (@AngelaHopper2) December 14, 2016
The Left also erupted in fury over the choice of Margaret Thatcher.
