Daisy Ridley has hit back at so-called fans after a post was shared on Instagram criticizing the actor's body type and accusing the star of setting "unrealistic expectations" for women by appearing too thin in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Ridley, 23, addressed the comments in an Instagram post of her own emphasizing the fact that there is no wrong way to look as a woman and stating that "'real women' are all shapes and sizes, all ethnicities... I am a 'real woman' like every other woman in this world."
The post that started the incident is an image of Ridley as her character Rey that she shared on her own account after finding the image online. A speech bubble from her mouth reads, "I can't believe the unrealistic expectations I'm setting for young girls. Who cast me anyway? Don't they know real women have curves?"
The original post has been since taken down after Ridley fans apparently sent messages to the creator of the photo. Ridley said in a follow-up post that it was not her intention to send messages to the "poor person" who started the incident and that "[her] whole post is about being kind to each other."
"It is much more hurtful to continue to slate other women than BE a woman, BE a character, BE whoever you want to be," Ridley said in an extended message to fans. "I will not apologise for how I look, what I say and how I live my life 'cause what's happening inside is much more important and I am striving to be the best version of myself."
"For all of you who celebrate each other, celebrate the ones you love, love yourselves, work hard, are kind, thank you for your continued support and the social media love... If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Kindness isn't going to cure the world of all its awfulness but it's a good place to begin."
Ridley's comments come shortly after the news that she may be cast as Lara Croft in the "Tomb Raider" reboot. Croft was brought to life by Angelina Jolie's memorable 2001 and 2003 performances and would give Ridley the opportunity to portray another iconic and strong female character.
