Rebel Wilson has responded to critics who lambasted her claim that she is the first plus-sized woman to play the lead in a romantic comedy.
Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote her upcoming film Isn't it Romantic?, Wilson said: "I'm proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy."
The comment was swiftly questioned by the many who pointed out her erasure of the likes of Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique, who have both starred in multiple rom-coms since their careers began.
Latifah, for example, starred opposite Common in the 2010's Just Wright, about a physical therapist and basketball star falling in love. She also appeared in 2006's Last Holiday, about a woman who travels to Europe after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mo'Nique starred in 2006's Phat Girlz, where she played an aspiring fashion designer obsessed with her weight, who suddenly meets her dream man.
Responding to a Twitter user who pointed to these examples, Wilson wrote: "Hey girl! Yeah I of course know of these movies but it was questionable as to whether: 1. Technically those actresses were plus size when filming those movies or 2. Technically those films are categorised/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead. So there’s a slight grey area."
"I fully take all the comments onboard though so thank you," she added. To another user who pointed out the same thing, she wrote: "Great points honey, thank you x will address when promoting the film in proper forums. I’m all about supporting plus size women and I work so hard to do so. I never want to disrespect anyone."
Mo'Nique herself tweeted at Wilson to say: "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."
"Hi Monique, it was never my intention to erase anyone else’s achievements and I adore you and Queen Latifah so so much x I support all plus size ladies and everything positive we are doing together," Wilson responded.
The film sees Wilson star as Natalie, a woman who, after a hit on the head, wakes up as the star of her very own romantic comedy.
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