Renee Zellweger has said the workplace romance shown in Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be allowed today because it would breach human resources (HR) rules.
Sleazy-but-charming boss Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, is depicted in the 2001 film seducing his junior employee Bridget, a cigarette-smoking 30-something, while working with her at a publishing company.
Ahead of the release of a new Bridget Jones film, Mad About the Boy, Grant interviewed Zellweger for the February issue of British Vogue.
He asked her: “Do you think the original film looks dated now? For instance, our romance, do you think people would think that’s very inappropriate? He’s her boss and he’s exploiting his powerful position. Where do you stand on that?”
Zellweger replied: “Well, I’m sure HR would have some stern rules down at the publishing house these days, don’t you think?”
The actress suggested HR would now hold a meeting with Cleaver and tell him to end the inappropriate contact. “Everyone would’ve had to get together and talk about how you engage with people,” she added.
Grant replied: “And Daniel would’ve had to be re-educated.”
