Amy Schumer is clapping back at critics who have dubbed her 'too fat' to take on the iconic 'Barbie' role for which she was announced last week, explaining how she is neither fat nor ashamed of her curvaceous body and thinks she'd do the role justice.

Amy SchumerAmy Schumer's response to body-shamers is everything a Barbie should be

Last week it was announced that comedienne of the moment Amy Schumer was in talks to play Barbie in a new live action film of the same time based on the celebrated Mattel doll range. Since the announcement, many people have lashed out at the decision, accusing Schumer of not having the right body shape for the role.

She remarked that she felt honored 'to play an important and evolving icon', and dismissed the term 'fat shaming' because she knows she isn't fat and has no shame about her body shape. 'I am strong and proud of how I live my life and say what I mean and fight for what I believe in and I have a blast doing it with the people I love', she said. 'Where's the shame? It's not there. It's an illusion. When I look in the mirror I know who I am. Im a great friend, sister, daughter and girlfriend. I'm a badass comic headlining arenas all over the world and making tv and movies and writing books where I lay it all out there and I'm fearless like you can be.'

Very very honored to be nominated for 2 Grammys and to be considered to play an important and evolving icon. Is it fat shaming if you know you're not fat and have zero shame in your game? I don't think so. I am strong and proud of how I live my life and say what I mean and fight for what I believe in and I have a blast doing it with the people I love. Where's the shame? It's not there. It's an illusion. When I look in the mirror I know who I am. Im a great friend, sister, daughter and girlfriend. I'm a badass comic headlining arenas all over the world and making tv and movies and writing books where I lay it all out there and I'm fearless like you can be. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and support and again my deepest sympathy goes out to the trolls who are in more pain than we will ever understand. I want to thank them for making it so evident that I am a great choice. It's that kind of response that let's you know something's wrong with our culture and we all need to work together to change it. Anyone who has ever been bullied or felt bad about yourself I am out there fighting for you, for us. And I want you to fight for yourself too! We need to laugh at the haters and sympathize with them. They can scream as loud as they want. We can't hear them because we are getting shit done. I am proud to lead by example. "I say if I'm beautiful, I say if I'm strong. You will not determine my story. I will" #thegirlwiththelowerbacktattoo

A photo posted by @amyschumer on

She went on to express her 'deepest sympathy' for the insecure trolls who are criticising her and thanked them for 'making it so evident that I am a great choice'. She also showed her support for others who have been bullied for their appearance. 'It's that kind of response that let's you know something's wrong with our culture and we all need to work together to change it', she continued. 'Anyone who has ever been bullied or felt bad about yourself I am out there fighting for you, for us. And I want you to fight for yourself too! We need to laugh at the haters and sympathize with them. They can scream as loud as they want. We can't hear them because we are getting shit done. I am proud to lead by example.'

More: Amy Schumer to star in 'Barbie'

Schumer is no stranger to body shaming trolls; she is constantly being targeted for her figure and sees a barrage of abuse everytime she posts a bikini or semi-nude shot of herself on social media. The picture that she posted with her latest response was an earlier paparazzi shot of herself in a one-piece bathing suit from her Hawaiian vacation. At the time she slammed the trolls attacking her and said: 'This is how I look. I feel happy. I think I look strong and healthy.'

'Barbie' is expected to hit screens in 2018 and while no director has been announced yet, it is expected to be helmed by a woman given that the subject matter is about female empowerment.