Ariel Winter on Kim Kardashian: 'She's promoting body positivity'

LOS ANGELES, March 25 (UPI) -- Ariel Winter thinks Kim Kardashian's recent nude selfie encouraged body-positivity for women of all shapes and sizes.

The 18-year-old actress defended the 35-year-old reality star's controversial photo in an interview with the Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday. Winter previously stood up for Kardashian after the star faced backlash for the post in early March.

"I think she's promoting body positivity," Winter said. "You know, young girls being able to express that they don't have a stick-thin body, they're curvy ... [Stick-thin] girls are amazing too, but I think that everybody's body should be celebrated no matter what."

"I think that's it's great that's she's so comfortable with herself and that's she's able to post out there what she wants to post, and if she wants to post a nude selfie, she can," she added. "It's not hurting anybody at all. If somebody doesn't like the post, they can unfollow."

Winter is a vocal proponent of body-positivity and has candidly discussed the breast reduction surgery she underwent in June. The actress explained her decision in an essay in February, encouraging her followers to stay true to themselves.

"Afterward, I felt so much happier and just better physically," she said of the procedure. "My surgery got a lot of criticism from some people, but I'm happier for it. In the end, I think it's all about how you feel -- not what other people think."

Winter's latest defense of Kardashian follows word the reality star has lost 42 pounds since welcoming son Saint West in December. Kardashian announced the news on her website Monday and followed up by posting previous post-baby photos.

"I look back on photos that kind of inspire me. I remember I did it then, I can do it now," she said of welcoming daughter North West in 2013. "It just kind of shows you, you can do it, it will just take time, stay focused and don't let anything get you off track."

Kardashian herself defended the photo as an expression of confidence and sexuality, telling fans, "I am empowered by my body." The reality star will return on E! series Keeping Up with the Kardashians in May and released a series of Easter emojis Thursday.