Rebel Wilson responds to backlash over claim she is the 'first-ever plus-sized girl' to lead a rom-com

In her upcoming film, Wilson stars as Natalie, a woman who, after a hit on the head, wakes up as the star of her very own romantic comedy

Rebel Wilson has responded to critics who lambasted her claim that she is the first plus-sized woman to play the lead in a romantic comedy.

Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote her upcoming film Isn't it Romantic?, Wilson said: "I'm proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy."

The comment was swiftly questioned by the many who pointed out her erasure of the likes of Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique, who have both starred in multiple rom-coms since their careers began.

Latifah, for example, starred opposite Common in the 2010's Just Wright, about a physical therapist and basketball star falling in love. She also appeared in 2006's Last Holiday, about a woman who travels to Europe after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mo'Nique starred in 2006's Phat Girlz, where she played an aspiring fashion designer obsessed with her weight, who suddenly meets her dream man.

Responding to a Twitter user who pointed to these examples, Wilson wrote: "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 categorised/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead. So there’s a slight grey area."

"I fully take all the comments onboard though so thank you," she added. To another user who pointed out the same thing, she wrote: "Great points honey, thank you x will address when promoting the film in proper forums. I’m all about supporting plus size women and I work so hard to do so. I never want to disrespect anyone."

Mo'Nique herself tweeted at Wilson to say: "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."

"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," Wilson responded.

The film sees Wilson star as Natalie, a woman who, after a hit on the head, wakes up as the star of her very own romantic comedy.

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