Sofia Vergara Slams Critics Over Her "Sexist" Emmy Stunt

It's an undisputed fact in Hollywood (and the rest of the world) that Sofia Vergara is one really, really good-looking woman. But a stunt at last night's Emmy Awards took the appreciation of the Modern Family star's fine form to another level—one that many said crossed the line between funny and harmless to demeaning and sexist. During a quick speech made by Bruce Rosenblum, the President of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Sofia was asked to stand on a revolving platform as Rosenblum lauded TV for the ability it gives viewers to appreciate the world's beauty—such as gorgeous women like Sophia Vergara. As expected, the Internet exploded, saying that the stunt was overtly sexist.

But the woman in question, Vergara herself, was quick to defend the controversial Emmys moment to US Weekly. "I think it's absolutely the opposite," she says. "It means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself and enjoy and work and make money." Vergara also added that whoever views the moment as offensive needs to "lighten up" and "has no sense of humor." Humorous or not, that same stunt would never happen with a man on the spinning pedestal—and that alone makes it sexist.

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I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.