The woman who starred in the widely criticized Peloton ad is returning to the small screen.
According to TMZ, actress Monica Ruiz has been tapped to appear in an episode of CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. Sources tell the outlet Ruiz, who has become known as the "Peloton Wife," was paid a $2,000 flat fee to shoot her guest appearance Tuesday. Though it's currently a one-day gig, insiders say Ruiz may be brought back if the audiences enjoy her character.
It's unclear what kind of role Ruiz will take on, but viewers can catch her episode sometime in late January.
The 32-year-old actress was catapulted into the national spotlight this month over a viral holiday commercial in which she receives a Peloton stationary bike for Christmas. After receiving the gift, the slim wife then tracks her fitness journey in a vlog-like series, before she express thanks for the so-called life-changing piece of exercise equipment.
The 30-second commercial was mocked, parodied, and criticized on social media, with many users calling it sexist and tone-deaf. Though Peloton's stock fell by more than 9 percent in wake of the backlash, the exercise equipment-maker has stood by the commercial, insisting it has received positive feedback.
"We constantly hear from our members how their lives have been meaningfully and positively impacted after purchasing or being gifted a Peloton Bike or Tread, often in ways that surprise them," a company spokesperson said in an email. "Our holiday spot was created to celebrate that fitness and wellness journey. While we're disappointed in how some have misinterpreted this commercial, we are encouraged by—and grateful for—the outpouring of support we've received from those who understand what we were trying to communicate."
It seems there's a silver lining amid all the controversy: more jobs for Ruiz. Shortly after the Peloton ad went viral, Ruiz scored a commercial for Ryan Reynold's Aviation Gin brand.
"I was happy to accept a job opportunity earlier this year from Peloton and the team was lovely to work with," Ruiz told Deadline. "Although I’m an actress, I am not quite comfortable being in spotlight and I’m terrible on social media. So to say I was shocked and overwhelmed by the attention this week (especially the negative) is an understatement."
