Rebel Wilson Is Now Blocking Black Twitter After Being Called Out

Actress Rebel Wilson has been catching heat for declaring herself the first plus-sized woman to ever be the lead in a romantic comedy — and she has done little to calm the fires. The Australian actress is now reportedly blocking Black Twitter from coming to her with receipts indicating that Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique had actually been pioneers for plus-sized actresses in the genre. The controversy began last week when Wilson laid claim to the title while a guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show. “I’m proud to be the first ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy,” she said, while promoting her upcoming movie Isn’t It Romantic, out in February. Still, Queen Latifah starred in the 2006 rom-com, The Last Holiday, alongside L.L. Cool J, and the 2010 romantic comedy, Just Wright, opposite Common. For her part, Mo’Nique’s Phat Girlz also came out in 2016. The pushback was harsh. But Wilson seemed to double down on her false claim, further erasing the work of the Black women that came before her. At one point, she said that it was “questionable as to whether: 1. Technically those actresses were plus size when filming those movies or 2. Technically those films are categorized/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead.” “So there’s a slight grey area,” she added. Even Mo’Nique had to step in to correct her. “Let’s please not allow this business to erase our talent with giving grey areas and technicalities. Take a moment and know the history,” she said. “DON’T BE A PART OF ERASING IT. I wish you the best.” In response to Mo’Nique, Wilson wrote that “it was never my intention to erase anyone else’s achievements and I adore you and Queen Latifah so so much.” “I support all plus size ladies and everything positive we are doing together,” she added. In another tweet Wilson wrote that she would address the issue “while promoting [Isn’t it Romantic] in the proper forums.” Latifah has yet to comment.