Amy Schumer has taken to social media to deliver a message to the people who have body-shamed her after it was announced she is set to play Barbie, saying we have to "laugh at the haters and sympathize with them".
The comedy star has been the target of cruel jokes online since it was announced that she was in talks to play the lead role in the upcoming live-action version of toy favourite Barbie, and is set to rewrite the script with her sister Kim Caramele.
Schumer posted a photo of herself on Instagram, with a strong message on fighting bullying and fixing what's wrong with our culture.
She wrote: "Is it fat shaming if you know you're not fat and have zero shame in your game? I don't think so. I am strong and proud of how I live my life and say what I mean and fight for what I believe in and I have a blast doing it with the people I love. Where's the shame? It's not there.
"Thanks to everyone for the kind words and support and again my deepest sympathy goes out to the trolls who are in more pain than we will ever understand. I want to thank them for making it so evident that I am a great choice.
"It's that kind of response that let's you know something's wrong with our culture and we all need to work together to change it. Anyone who has ever been bullied or felt bad about yourself I am out there fighting for you, for us. And I want you to fight for yourself too! We need to laugh at the haters and sympathize with them."
The negative response she has received since the casting news was announced makes the central message of the Barbie film even more relevant - the theme of empowerment.
In the upcoming film, Barbie lives in Barbieland with the rest of the toy line's characters but receives her marching orders after refusing to conform to Barbieland's impossible standard of beauty. After adventures in the real world, she returns to Barbieland with life lessons for its residents.
The Inside Amy Schumer star has previously commented on unkind comments from "trolls". In March she posted the same photo of herself on the beach, along with the caption: "I hope you find some joy in your lives today in a human interaction and not just in writing unkind things to a stranger you’ve never met who triggers something in you that makes you feel powerless and alone. This is how I look. I feel happy. I think I look strong and healthy and also like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda. Kisses!"
Schumer’s post followed news of her being nominated for two Grammys: best comedy album for her set Live at the Apollo and best spoken-word album for her autobiography The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo.
