Amy Schumer has written a powerful response to the body-shaming trolls who criticised her casting as ‘Barbie’ in an upcoming film.
The comedian and actress was cruelly targeted by critics who believed she was “too fat” to play the role.
Ironically, however, the film is designed to modernise the doll’s image, which has come under scrutiny in recent years for promoting negative and unattainable body image ideals.
Schumer’s Barbie is designed “to put a contemporary spin on beauty, feminism and identity”, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
But now, Schumer has responded to critics in the perfect way.
Addressing trolls directly in an Instagram post, Schumer wrote: “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.”
Schumer also argued that it is impossible for trolls to “shame” her when she is so unapologetic.
“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. Im a great friend, sister, daughter and girlfriend. I’m a badass comic headlining arenas all over the world and making tv and movies and writing books where I lay it all out there and I’m fearless like you can be.
“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.”
She added: “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. “I say if I’m beautiful, I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story. I will”.”
Well said.