Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble, has found herself at the center of a new biopic, “Swiped,” streaming on Hulu. Portrayed by actress Lily James, the film explores Herd’s journey as a tech entrepreneur impacting the 21st-century dating app industry. Despite the accolades, Herd has expressed mixed feelings about the project.
In a poignant moment shared during a CNBC interview, Herd acknowledged she has yet to watch the film, stating, “I can’t make it through the whole trailer; it’s too weird for me.” She revealed that her involvement with the film was entirely non-consensual, as she was only informed about its production well after it was underway. Determined to halt the project, Herd sought legal counsel two years ago to stop its production. However, her efforts were in vain, as her lawyer explained there were no grounds to cease the film’s development, considering her status as a public figure.
Herd’s apprehension about the film stems from the dual emotions of fear and flattery. She acknowledges, “I’m obviously both terrified, and maybe slightly flattered.” Despite these complex emotions, she is honored by the casting choice of Lily James, noting the actress’s talent.
Lily James, in turn, has shown great admiration for Herd, describing her as “visionary” and “truly inspiring.” She shared her experience of embodying the Bumble boss, recounting extensive research into Herd’s life and influence. James expressed her thrill at portraying a trailblazer in the tech industry, making her performance a meaningful endeavor.
Prior to this role, James faced backlash for portraying Pamela Anderson in Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy.” Reflecting on that experience, she noted a hesitation to portray real people but found Herd’s story compelling enough to bridge that gap.
Herd’s narrative exemplifies the nuanced relationship between public figures and their portrayals in media—a mix of honor, apprehension, and the difficulty of control over one’s story. As “Swiped” reaches audiences, the spotlight not only shines on Herd’s contributions to technology but also on the complexities that come with public life.