Netflix's brand new historical drama Bridgerton has sparked controversy over a male rape scene that divided viewers.
The show has been described as Downton Abbey meets Gossip Girl as a mysterious gossip columnist named Lady Whistledown.
Set in high society in the Georgian era, the show follows two families and their debutante daughters who are seeking to find a husband.
Spoiler alert - one of these daughters, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynever) plots with Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) to pretend they are courting.
They end up developing real feelings for each other, despite initially only pretending in order to fend off other suitors they disliked.
But in the sixth episode, Daphne coerces her husband Simon into having sex with her, despite him having previously communicated he does not want children and twice telling her to stop.
This left many viewers concerned that spousal rape was being used as a romantic plot device, which only further makes it harder for male victims of rape to be taken seriously.
Journalist Sabah Malik tweeted: "I am really really sickened at how they completely brushed past a pretty shocking rape scene. Marital r*pe, forced sex - and then boom we just move on the next day.
"Super disappointing, the show was already kind of tough to watch."
Another viewer penned: "This is just another reminder and psa, that #bridgerton has an onscreen rape scene of a black man.
"do be careful when recommending it to people and if you plan on watching it, be careful with episode 6."
A third remarked: "The consent conversation about THAT #Bridgerton sex scene is especially important because it illustrates how consensual sex can switch from an enjoyable act to rape in a matter of seconds."
The Mirror has contacted a representative for Netflix for comment.
* Bridgerton is available to stream now on Netflix
