Rebel Wilson responds to backlash over comments she’s the “first-ever plus-sized girl” to be rom-com lead.
The 38-year-old Aussie made the controversial comment when she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last Wednesday to promote her and Liam Hemsworth’s upcoming rom-com Isn’t It Romantic.
“I had such a ball filming that,” she told host Ellen DeGeneres. “I’m proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy.”
But fellow plus-size star Mo’Nique — who starred in the 2006 rom-com Phat Girlz — took to Twitter on the weekend to say that Wilson’s claim was fake news.
“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,” tweeted Mo’Nique, 50, whose real name is Monique Angela Hicks. Fans have also pointed out that actress and rapper Queen Latifah, 48, also starred in the 2006 rom-com Last Holiday.
The “grey areas and technicalities” Mo’Nique spoke of were brought up by Wilson herself after a Twitter user pointed to Mo’Nique and Latifah’s films.
“Yeah I of course know of these movies,” Wilson replied to the critic. “But it was questionable as to whether: 1. Technically those actresses were plus size when filming those movies or 2. Technically those films are catorgorized/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead. So there’s a slight grey area.”
Yesterday, Wilson explained herself directly to Mo’Nique, and although she didn’t apologise for her comments, she said she was proud of all the plus-size women making their mark in the industry.
“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.”
Since the controversy, its appears Wilson has also been blocking users who’ve been calling her out on Twitter. One film and television critic even started the hashtag, #RebelWilsonBlockedMe
