Christie Brinkley: Airbrushing Melissa McCarthy 'Weird'

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, June 17, 2013

Supermodel Christie Brinkley sounded off on the outrage over the airbrushing of Melissa McCarthy in promotional ads for the film "The Heat."

The 59-year-old model agreed with those who said that U.K. version of the movie poster had been so heavily Photoshopped that it barely resembled the actress.

"I think it's kind of weird to do that with actors because obviously you can't Photoshop a movie and you're going to be seeing the actors as they are in the movie," said Brinkley speaking to Entertainment Tonight.

Furthermore, the model addressed what the retouched image says about today's society and appearances.

"You get to know actors, and you just love them the way they are, we all love Melissa McCarthy just the way she is," said Brinkley.

"Everything gives the message [that] it's not okay to be old, it's not okay to be fat, it's not okay to have any imperfections," she continued. "I wish that there was some way we could change that."

McCarthy's new film "The Heat" hits theaters on June 28. The comedy also stars Sandra Bullock, "Saturday Night Live" star Taran Killam, and Marlon Wayans.

Although McCarthy has not commented on her retouched poster image for the film, the actress did recently address another issue surrounding her weight.

Rex Reed of the New York Observer harshly labeled the 42-year-old "Bridesmaids" star as "tractor-sized" and a "female hippo" earlier this year.

The reporter also penned that McCarthy is "a gimmick comedian who has devoted her short career to being obese and obnoxious with equal success," before his comments incensed readers.

"Really? Why would someone O.K. that," McCarthy asked during an interview with The New York Times.

Although Reed's comments sparked strong reactions, McCarthy did not respond to the article until last week.

The 42-year-old actress fortunately did not let Reed's harsh critiques bring her down, but instead, allowed the words to remind her of the obstacles she has overcome.

"I felt really bad for someone who is swimming in so much hate," McCarthy continued, according to the Times. "I just thought, that's someone who's in a really bad spot, and I am in such a happy spot. I laugh my head off every day with my husband and my kids who are mooning me and singing me songs."