Emma Watson has responded to critics of her recent cover shoot for Vanity Fair, which included a topless photo.

Some accused the actress and activist of being a ‘hypocrite’ or not a proper feminist for agreeing to pose topless for the magazine, however Watson has responded by declaring: "I really don’t know what my t*ts have to do with feminism".

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During an interview with Channel Four News during her press tour for Beauty and the Beast, Watson was asked about the backlash she received. “Feminism is about giving women choice,” Watson said.

“Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with, it’s about freedom, it’s about liberation, it’s about equality. I really don’t know what my t*ts have to do with it, it’s quite confusing. I’m always just quietly stunned.

“The shot itself I was honestly slightly taken aback by, because we’d been doing so many crazy things on that shoot,” Watson continued.

More: Emma Watson Sparks Backlash Following Nude Vanity Fair Photoshoot

“But it felt incredibly artistic and I’ve been so creatively involved and engaged with [Vanity Fair photographer Tim Walker], and I’m so thrilled with how interesting and beautiful the photographs were.”

Watson concluded: “It always reveals to me how many misconceptions and what a misunderstanding there is of what feminism is.” In recent years Watson has become as well known for her work as an activist as her acting career.

In 2014 she was appointed as the UN’s Goodwill Ambassador for Women, helping launch their HeForShe campaign which calls for men to advocate gender equality. Last year she launched the online feminist book club, Our Shared Shelf.