Melissa McCarthy Shoots Down Hollywood Sexism

Melissa McCarthy, known for her hilarious roles in numerous blockbuster movies, has a message for sexism in Hollywood. She is fed up with the stigma attached to her weight and feels that daughters across the world are getting the wrong idea. She’s now on a mission to ignore the negativity and double standards that often happen to female actresses.

Entertainment Tonight reports that McCarthy, who has two daughters of her own, recently had the opportunity to speak out on Hollywood and its obsession with attractive, fit celebrities. She feels it’s a “sickness” that affects many young women who look up to entertainers.

“It’s an intense sickness. For someone who has two daughters, I’m wildly aware of how deep that rabbit hole goes. But I just don’t want to start listening to that stuff. I’m trying to take away the double standard of ‘You’re an unattractive b**** because your character was not skipping along in high heels.'”

McCarthy’s criticism against Hollywood partially stem from a reporter who interviewed her while she promoted her movie St. Vincent last September. The reporter admitted to being the same person that publicly slammed her role in Tammy, writing that she was only a good actress when she looked more attractive. McCarthy, who recently lost over 40 pounds, had choice words for the embarrassed reporter after he told her that he also has a daughter.

“Watch what you say to her. Do you tell her she’s only worthwhile or valid when she’s pretty?”

Not everyone feels the same way as the blunt reporter, however. Movie director Paul Feig says that he knew from the time McCarthy auditioned for the 2011 movie Bridesmaids that he had found a gem.

“That audition was one of those moments when you’re like, ‘okay, that person just changed their life.”

Since then, McCarthy has made a name for herself in Hollywood as a talented comedic actress, despite her weight issues. In 2013, McCarthy worked with Feig again on the comedy Heat, which made over $150 million in national box office sales.

Feig and McCarthy have paired up once again for Spy, in which McCarthy plays a CIA analyst who volunteers as a secret agent to help prevent a global disaster. The action comedy is slated for release in theaters on June 5.

Meanwhile, Melissa McCarthy enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Vivian and Georgette. The 44-year-old is married to fellow actor Ben Falcone, who starred alongside McCarthy in Bridemaids.

[Photo Courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]