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(UPI) -- Elle Magazine issued a statement defending their controversial November cover featuring Melissa McCarthy. In the photo, the 43-year-old actress appears wearing an oversized coat and big hair. Both features came under scrutiny as critics accused the photographer of trying to hide McCarthy's curves and face.
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“This year, Elle‘s token plus-size cover girl is McCarthy, who was photographed in a Marina Rinaldi coat so huge that she could hide her Mike and Molly co-star Billy Gardel underneath,” wrote June Thomas of Slate. “McCarthy’s hair covers a quarter of her gorgeous face, and with her hands stuffed deep into her coat pockets, the only visible flesh is a tiny triangle between the coat’s lapels and the briefest glimpse of calf. Perhaps photographer Thomas Whiteside only knows how to photograph the usual stick insect models, because he clearly has no clue how to highlight McCarthy’s curves.”
In response to the criticism, Elle magazine defended their cover claiming the "Bridesmaids" star had been a part of the garment selection process and that she looked gorgeous.
“On all of our shoots, our stylists work with the stars to choose pieces they feel good in, and this is no different: Melissa loved this look, and is gorgeous on our cover. We are thrilled to honor her as one of our Women in Hollywood this year.”
On "Good Morning America," McCarthy said the "loves the cover" and added that she "even picked out the coat."
Elle's "Women In Hollywood" issue featuring McCarthy, Reese Witherspoon, Penelope Cruz and Shailene Woodley hits stands October 22 with four different covers
