Elle magazine has received backlash for Melissa McCarthy's November cover of their annual Women in Hollywood Issue showcasing the hottest actresses.
The scandal was not about have McCarthy on the cover, but rather what she was wearing. McCarthy is considered a plus-size woman, and instead of showing off her curves, her body was hidden underneath a jacket.
Two other actresses, Shailene Woodley and Reese Witherspoon, featured in the magazine wore figure-flattering outfits. In fact, Woodley stripped down a white tank top and black underwear. When readers saw the cover, they fired heavy criticism about the outfit choice.
June Thomas, a writer for Slate.com does not agree with Elle's decision to not highlight the comedian's curves.
"McCarthy's hair covers a quarter of her gorgeous face, and with her hands stuffed deep into her coat pockets, the only visible flesh is a tiny triangle between the coat's lapels and the briefest glimpse of calf," Thomas wrote. "Perhaps photographer Thomas Whiteside only knows how to photograph the usual stick insect models, because he clearly has no clue how to highlight McCarthy's curves."
However, the fashion magazine has released a statement about the issue:
"On all of our shoots, our stylists work with the stars to choose pieces they feel good in, and this is no different: Melissa loved this look, and is gorgeous on our cover. We are thrilled to honor her as one of our Women in Hollywood this year."
McCarthy's reps told "Good Morning America" that she picked out the jacket and the actress loves the cover.
In the issue, Melissa McCarthy talks openly about playing "nontraditional female comedic leads."
"A lot of times, women have had all their tools taken away (in Hollywood comedies). It's like you're never inappropriate, you have the greatest job, you look great, your hair is amazing, and now go be funny," McCarthy said. "And it's like, with what? You have to fall down for us to want to watch you get back up. And it's like they never let you watch women fall down."
What do you think about McCarthy's cover: is it too covered up or are people overreacting? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
