Cinderella movie: Lily James speaks out against 'upsetting and boring' criticism of her waist

'Why do women always get pointed at for their bodies?' the actress asked

Lily James as Ella in Disney's live action remake of Cinderella (Disney)

Lily James has dismissed criticism of her miniature waist in the upcoming Cinderella film as “upsetting and boring”.

Publicity shots for the Disney film, which is being released UK cinemas next month, were first criticised for allegedly being photoshopped, which director Kenneth Branagh denied, and then for being an “unhealthy” role model for young girls.

“On one hand it's upsetting, on the other hand it's just boring,” James said in an interview with HuffPost Live.

“Why do women always get pointed at for their bodies? And why is this whole thing happening and I'm constantly having to justify myself?

“International Women's Day has just gone, and it just feels just a bit sad that it's still happening. You know, I'm very healthy and I always have been.”

James said the “hard to wear” corset and blue dress contributed to the effect, with the full skirts exaggerating her shape.

Calling the storm of criticism “confusing”, she said people should realise that costumes changes people’s appearance.

Richard Madden, who plays Prince Charming, supported his co-star by saying that he knew her waist was real because he held it, adding “she eats like a boy”.

Branagh, the director of Cinderella, denied photoshopping rumours that circulated after the trailer was released last month, showing the famous ball scene.

Sir Kenneth Branagh said James' waist was 'absolutely not' digitally altered (PA)

“It was not (digitally altered), it was not,” Branagh responded. “I can't remember anybody during that ball sequence who went up next to her and didn't go, 'Oh my god!' Then they'd look round the other side.

“I was constantly saying, 'You are eating, aren't you Lily? Let's get Lily some soup please! These gowns were beautifully crafted and they produced shapes that were very extreme. To all the airbrush conspiracy theorists I can answer now: no.”

Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of Grantham and Lily James as Lady Rosein the Downton Abbey Christmas special 2013

James is best known for playing Lady Rose MacClare in Downton Abbey, and stars in Cinderella alongside Helena Bonham-Carter and Cate Blanchett.