Emma Watson is under fire after the release of her photos from her recent Vanity Fair shoot. The "Beauty and the Beast" actress was criticized for being hypocritical about feminism while doing an almost topless shoot.

In an interview, Emma Watson addressed the comments regarding her new photos. The actress who is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador told Reuters in an interview that there have been many misconceptions about feminism and that included her Vanity Fair cover.

The "Harry Potter" alum revealed that she is confused but corrected herself that she is stunned by the backlash she has received. Emma Watson who is a HeForShe campaign pioneer explained that feminism is about freedom, equality and choice. She adds that her controversial Vanity Fair cover has nothing to do with feminism.

The Vanity Fair photoshoot was reportedly done by Tim Walker and it shows Emma Watson with a white crochet bolero jacket. Critics have mostly pointed out that the actress was not wearing any underclothing and parts of her breasts can be seen. Emma Watson adds that she felt that the photos were artistically done and finds them beauitful. She also praised Tim Walker for how the photos turned out.

Emma Watson is currently promoting for Disney's live-action movie of "Beauty and the Beast" where she plays the main character, Belle. The movie is directed by Bill Condon and tells People that Belle in the film has been improved to be more dimensional.

Condon adds that Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle has parallels to the actress. The director references Watson's feminist and gender equality campaigns and her love for books in real life. Watson has gone viral on the internet for hiding some of her favorite books in subways for people to discover. "Beauty and the Beast" will officially release on March 17.

Do you think Emma Watson is too harshly criticized for her Vanity Fair cover and photoshoot? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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