Australia actress Rebel Wilson has responded to the Twitter backlash she received following her interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she claimed she was the first ever plus-sized female lead in a romantic comedy.
While discussing her new film Isn’t It Romantic last week, The Pitch Perfect actress told Ellen, “I’m proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy.”
The Twitterverse was quick to point out that Rebel was not the first plus-sized woman to lead a romantic comedy, and that African-American actresses Queen Latifah and Mo-Nique have both starred in multiple rom-com’s as their lead for years.
Many people on Twitter said that Wilson (a white woman) was erasing black women from film with her comments.
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Don’t get me wrong – there aren’t nearly enough fat and plus-size actresses cast as romantic leads but that statement from Rebel Wilson – issa no. pic.twitter.com/32x3n6izYx
— FilmFatale_NYC ?? ?? ?? (@FilmFatale_NYC) November 1, 2018
To my last rt, Queen Latifah’s movies were my CHILDHOOD. Beauty Shop, Last Holiday, Just Wright we’re literally ICONIC MOVIES FOR ME. So uhhh pls Rebel Wilson I love ya girl but you’re not the first plus size woman to star in a romantic comedy.
— Hannah (@HannahElizaB_) November 1, 2018
Rebel took to Twitter to respond to backlash by initialling calling movies such as Phat Girlz and The Last Holiday a “grey area”
Precious actress and academy award winner Mo’Nique, then tweeted Rebel Wilson saying, “Let’s please not allow this business to erase our talent”.
Hey my sweet sister. Let’s please not allow this business to erase our talent with giving grey areas and technicalities. Take a moment and know the history. DON’T BE A PART OF ERASING IT. I wish you the best.
— Mo'Nique Worldwide (@moworldwide) November 3, 2018
Wilson seemed to take the comments, both by Mo’Nique and other Twitter users, on board in a series of tweets, and stated, “it was never my intention to erase anyone else’s achievements.”
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Let’s hope Rebel has listened to her critics and learned for next time.
Milly is a freelance journalist who devours all news, from the latest in Australian politics to Meghan and Harry's cutest couple moments. Milly is a devout tea enthusiast who's a firm believer in quality downtime, her weekends are usually spent exploring a new cafe with a nice cuppa and the crossword.
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