Priyanka Chopra has responded to criticisms over her decision to wear a dress by Marchesa, the fashion brand co-founded by Georgina Chapman, estranged wife to disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
The Indian actor chose to wear a white strapless gown from the label for her bridal shower, which was celebrating her impending nuptials to musician Nick Jonas.
After Marchesa posted a photo on Instagram of the outfit, Chopra was met with a furore of criticism as people accused her of supporting a label with close ties to Weinstein, who faces numerous charges of sexual assault, which he denies.
Now, the 36-year-old has spoken to Women’s Wear Daily about the backlash, explaining that Chapman is a friend of hers “and it’s not her fault”.
She continued: “I don’t think it is right to take it out on a self-made woman what somebody in her life did.
“That’s the wrong attitude. [And] that was a beautiful gown and deserved to be worn by a bride-to-be.
“It made me feel like a princess. It was the right choice”.
Chopra paired the feather-skirted gown with a diamond necklace and nude stiletto heels.
Scarlett Johansson faced similar criticisms when she wore a Marchesa gown to this year’s Met Gala in May, making her the first celebrity to support the brand since the allegations against Weinstein emerged.
The American actor opted for a burgundy off-the-shoulder dress with a tulle skirt.
Some people expressed disappointment at Johansson’s decision to wear a garment from Chapman’s brand, labelling it “thoughtless”.
But the Lost in Translation star quickly defended her choice, telling E! News: "I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful and it is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important female designers”.
Her comments garnered a wave of support on social media, with one person writing on Twitter; “She shouldn’t have to defend anything. Harvey’s ex-wife is not responsible/should not be punished for his actions”.
Another added: “I hope more let Marchesa stand on its own feet free from Weinstein”.
