Melissa McCarthy has spoken out on sexism and ripped a sexist reporter in the process.
The actress, known for her comedic roles, has had quite a lucrative movie career. However, since appearing in Gilmore Girls in the early 2000s, she has been constantly ridiculed by the press for her weight and overall appearance.
“It’s an intense sickness,” McCarthy says of Hollywood sexism. “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 bitch because your character was not skipping along in high heels.’”
During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly , McCarthy spoke about an incident that occurred at the Toronto Film Festival, where she was promoting her movie St. Vincent, last fall. She explained that a reporter, who had criticized her appearance in the film Tammy , which she co-wrote, and her husband, Ben Falcone, directed, approached her to praise the new film she was there to promote.
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“Are you the one who wrote I was only a good actor when I looked more attractive and that my husband should never be allowed to direct me because he allowed me to look so homely?” she asked him. The reporter admitted that he was.
“Would you say that to any guy?” she continued , according to Jezebel . “When John C. Reilly—or any actor—is playing a character that is depressed and dejected, would you say, ‘Well, you look terrible!’?”
Watch the brand new trailer for #SpyMovie , starring Jason Statham and @MelissaMcCarthy . In theaters 6/5! https://t.co/QHS6DxSrBN
— Spy Movie (@SpytheMovie) March 31, 2015
McCarthy then asked the reporter if he had any daughters, to which he said he did.
“Watch what you say to her,” she said. “Do you tell her she’s only worthwhile or valid when she’s pretty?”
This spy is ready for her spotlight. Don’t miss @melissamccarthy on the cover of @EW . pic.twitter.com/c4rttyq9Ph
— Spy Movie (@SpytheMovie) May 16, 2015
While McCarthy tries to not let the negativity get to her, she is only human. She said she has sworn off reading negative comments in the press.
“I’ve stopped because I finally said, ‘This is not making me better. This hurts my heart,’” she said.
[Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]
