‘Swiped’ Biopic of Whitney Wolfe Herd Debuts to Scathing Reviews and Internal Backlash

Lead Hulu’s film Swiped, chronicling the rise of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 19, 2025, only to face harsh criticism and renewed scrutiny of her leadership at Bumble.

Nut Graf The biopic, starring Lily James, was intended to celebrate Wolfe Herd’s journey from Tinder co-founder to the youngest self-made female billionaire. Instead, critics panned its glossy portrayal, while recent layoffs at Bumble have reignited employee discontent, calling into question the narrative of feminist triumph the film seeks to convey.

Mixed Critical Reception

  • Rotten Tomatoes rating: 29% approval, described as “glossy mythmaking” by reviewers.
  • Critics cite superficial treatment of harassment suit against Tinder and trivialization of Bumble’s cultural challenges.

Employee Backlash at Bumble

  • Summer layoffs cut nearly a third of global staff, prompting internal outrage.
  • Wolfe Herd allegedly told employees to “calm down” regarding restructuring concerns, intensifying discord.

On-Screen Narrative vs. Real-World Struggles

  • Film revisits Wolfe Herd’s departure from Tinder in 2014 amid a sexual harassment lawsuit, the launch of Bumble, and its 2021 Nasdaq debut-but omits deeper issues of toxic workplace culture.
  • Insiders argue the biopic glosses over broken promises and management missteps, contrasting the feel-good storyline with reported staff grievances.

Festival Premiere Highlights

  • TIFF audience reaction ranged from tepid applause to outright jeers, with many questioning the film’s timing and tone.
  • Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg aimed to capture both euphoria and adversity in Wolfe Herd’s career, but pacing and depth shortcomings left viewers wanting more context.

What’s Next for ‘Swiped’

  • Streaming launch on Hulu scheduled for later today, where audience reception will determine whether the controversy dampens or drives viewership.
  • Industry observers will watch if the film’s backlash prompts Wolfe Herd or Bumble executives to address cultural critiques publicly.

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