Rebel Wilson stopped by the Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote her new romantic comedy “Isn’t It Romantic,” and while there she discussed how excited she is about the role. “I’m proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy,” Wilson told DeGeneres. In addition, Wilson shared the same message on her Instagram last Thursday, writing: “I’m proud to be the first plus size girl to be the lead in a studio rom-com.”
It didn’t take too long for her flawed statement to reach further into the masses. Many began citing Queen Latifah’s projects “Last Holiday” (2006) and “Just Wright” (2010) as the first time film saw a plus-size woman be in a rom-com. One Twitter user wrote, “I love @RebelWilson as much as the next girl, but she isn’t the first plus sized woman to play the lead in a romantic comedy. Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique have both played romcom leads.”
Wilson responded saying, “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 [categorized]/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead,” she wrote. “So there’s a slight grey area.”⠀⠀⠀⠀
MoNique then responded to Wilson writing, “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.” To which Wilson replied, it was never my intention to erase anyone else’s achievements and I adore you and Queen Latifah so so much.”
“I support all plus size ladies and everything positive we are doing together.”
In another tweet the Australian actress said she would address the issue while promoting the film. Wilson has since been blocking #BlackTwitter after being called out.
