Rebel Wilson addresses controversy over Isn't it Romantic plus-size comments

Rebel Wilson has apologised for previously claiming that she is the first plus-sized woman to play the lead in a romantic comedy.

Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last to promote Isn't it Romantic?, Wilson said: "I'm proud to be the first-ever plus-sized girl to be the star of a romantic comedy."

Critics were quick to point out that Queen Latifah (Just Wright, Last Holiday) and Mo’Nique (Phat Girlz) had both appeared in multiple romcoms.

“I obviously misspoke in that situation,” she told Variety. “I was so sincerely sorry for doing so because my intention was never to offend anyone. It was purely to lift my fellow plus-size women up, so I was sad when I had a different reaction from some people.

"But at the end of the day, I think this movie is so positive, it has such a sweet message, and the representation in it is really positive.”

Wilson had previously addressed the criticism on Twitter, writing on social media at the time: "I, of course, know of these movies but it was questionable as to whether: 1. Technically those actresses were plus size when filming those movies or 2. Technically those films are categorised/billed as a studio rom-com with a sole lead. So there’s a slight grey area."

"I fully take all the comments onboard though so thank you," she added.

Mo'Nique herself tweeted at Wilson to say: "Hey my sweet sister. Let’s please not allow this business to erase our talent with giving grey areas and technicalities. Take a moment and know the history. DON’T BE A PART OF ERASING IT. I wish you the best."

Wilson replied: "Hi Monique, it was never my intention to erase anyone else’s achievements and I adore you and Queen Latifah so so much x I support all plus size ladies and everything positive we are doing together."

Isn't it Romantic?, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, stars Wilson as Natalie, an Australian architect based in New York, who doesn't belive in romantic comedies – until, of course, she wakes up in a universe ruled by the genre's most cliché tropes and must find her way towards her own happily ever after.