Jonathan Bailey has just added another feather to his cap but not everyone is on the same page about it.
The Bridgerton heartthrob has officially entered the People’s Sexiest Man Alive club, joining the ranks of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, and Michael B. Jordan.
On Monday, November 3, the magazine revealed that the 37-year-old holds the 2025 title, sparking a wave of reactions online.
While many fans celebrated the choice, calling it “the right one” after a few controversial selections in recent years, including The Devil Wears Prada star Emily Blunt’s husband and The Office alum John Krasinski, others were less convinced.
Love it or hate it, Bailey’s new title has certainly got everyone talking. Some users argued that “there are better-looking men out there,” while others applauded the wickedly handsome actor’s charm and talent.
Bailey, known for his role in Wicked and as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit series, is also the first openly gay man to earn the Sexiest Man Alive title, which prompted a separate discussion with a few social media users questioning whether the title should even include gay men.
Although that sentiment was swiftly criticised by others as outdated and discriminatory, the backlash remained with one writing “hey just be letting anyone in,” one person commented under the Instagram post.
“He doesn’t deserve the title.” Another added, “He’s not even top 50 [crying and peace sign gesture emoji].” A third wrote, “Jonathan Bailey? Sexiest Man Alive? Be serious. Y’all really looked at Pedro Pascal, Chris Evans, and a whole planet of fine men and said, ‘Nah, give it to the Bridgerton guy.’ This isn’t ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ — it’s ‘Most Likely to Stare Broodingly Into a Teacup.'”
Despite the criticism, Bailey’s supporters came out in full force, celebrating his yet another impressive milestone to his growing list of achievements.
Fellow Wicked stars including Cynthia Erivo and other celebrities like Matt Bomer, took to social media to congratulate him on the honour.