Whitney Wolfe Herd, the trailblazing founder of Bumble, just opened up about feeling super uncomfortable with the new Hulu biopic “Swiped” that’s inspired by her life. The 36-year-old entrepreneur shared her honest thoughts during a CNBC interview, admitting she couldn’t even finish watching the trailer starring Lily James as her.
“So, I can’t make it through the whole trailer—it’s too weird for me,” Herd said. She explained that she’s not involved in the project at all. In fact, she only learned about it after the script was already written and production was underway. Herd even asked her lawyer two years ago to try shutting it down, but he told her there’s little she can do. “You’re somewhat of a public figure, there’s public information out there—they’re going to do what they’re going to do,” she recalled him saying.
Now that “Swiped” hit Hulu on Friday, Herd isn’t sure if she’ll tune in. “I’m obviously both terrified and maybe slightly flattered,” she shared. “But I think the strangeness and the fear of it outweighs any flattery. Listen, we’ll just see. I guess I gotta get some popcorn and stay tuned.” On a brighter note, she praised the casting: “But I am honored that they chose Lily James—she’s a very talented actress.”
The movie dives into Herd’s incredible journey in the male-dominated tech world. She co-founded Tinder before launching Bumble, the popular dating app that empowers women to make the first move. Herd made history in February 2021 by becoming the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire when Bumble went public.
Hulu describes “Swiped” as “inspired by the provocative real-life story” of Herd, played by Lily James. It follows a young Whitney Wolfe as she uses grit and smarts to break barriers, create innovative dating apps, and rise to billionaire status.
Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg, 41, told Time magazine that the film is “inspired by, not based on” Herd’s story. “We’re shaping that research, and using as much truth and accuracy as we can, and then also focusing on the emotional truth,” she added.
Lily James, also 36, gushed about taking on the role during the Toronto Film Festival. “I obviously knew about both apps, Bumble and Tinder, but I had no idea there was this woman right at the kind of epicenter of them, and I was bowled over by her story,” the actress said to Deadline. James dove deep into research and called Herd “truly inspiring and a trailblazer.” She added that stepping into Herd’s shoes for the film was a “really meaningful experience.”
If you’re into stories of women shaking up the tech industry and dating app success, “Swiped” is now streaming on Hulu.
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