Amy Schumer has responded to criticism over her casting in a new live-action Barbie movie.
It was reported at the weekend that the comedic actress would star in an upcoming Sony picture based on a Hilary Winston script that provides “a contemporary spin on beauty, feminism, and identity.”
Following abuse from online trolls over the news, Schumer has now hit back on Instagram, writing that she was “very very honoured… to be considered to play an important and evolving icon.”
She added: “Is it fat shaming if you know you’re not fat and have zero shame in your game? I don’t think so. I am strong and proud of how I live my life and say what I mean and fight for what I believe in and I have a blast doing it with the people I love. Where’s the shame? It’s not there. It’s an illusion. When I look in the mirror I know who I am.”
Schumer then continued: “Thanks to everyone for the kind words and support and again my deepest sympathy goes out to the trolls who are in more pain than we will ever understand. I want to thank them for making it so evident that I am a great choice. It’s that kind of response that let’s you know something’s wrong with our culture and we all need to work together to change it. Anyone who has ever been bullied or felt bad about yourself I am out there fighting for you, for us. And I want you to fight for yourself too! We need to laugh at the haters and sympathize with them. They can scream as loud as they want. We can’t hear them because we are getting shit done. I am proud to lead by example.”
See Schumer’s post in full below.
It follows news that Schumer is nominated for two Grammys, for Best Comedy Album and Best Spoken-Word Album.