Less than a week after facing backlash for her Sports Illustrated cover debut, Barbie, the doll icon herself, addresses her critics.
In an open letter titled "Why Posing for Sports Illustrated Suits Me," 55-year-old Barbie says she's not apologizing about appearing in the magazine's 50th anniversary swimsuit issue.
"Every year, Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit drums up conversation and controversy," Barbie wrote in her letter, posted on BarbieCollector.com. "Upon the launch of this year's 50th anniversary issue, there will again be buzz and debate over the validity of the women in the magazine, questioning if posing in it is a blow to female equality and self-image."
The magazine, with its "unapologetic" theme, came out on Wednesday, featuring Barbie along with models Christy Brinkley, Kathy Ireland, Heidi Klum and Kate Upton. Barbie's 22-page spread was shot by Walter Iooss Jr., who has photographed the magazine's swimsuit models for 40 years, according to The New York Times.
Several articles and tons of comments online questioned whether or not Barbie was a suitable choice for the cover.
"The Sports Illustrated swimsuit Issue Will Feature Barbie, So Your Daughter Can Feel Bad Too," read one headline, according to The Times.
But Barbie refused to be shamed.
"In 2014, does any woman in the issue seriously need permission to appear there?" the long-haired, slim doll wrote.
Barbie, who wrote she started out as a fashion model in 1959, said people have a negative perception about what it means to be a model.
"I, for one, am honored to join the legendary swimsuit models. The word 'model,' like the word 'Barbie,' is often dismissed as a poseable plaything with nothing to say.
"And yet, those featured are women who have broken barriers, established empires, built brands, branched out into careers as varied as authors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists," Barbie wrote.
Over the years Barbie, branded by Mattel, has held countless jobs, from pastry chef to astronaut.
"It's time to stop boxing in potential," Barbie wrote. "Be free to launch a career in a swimsuit, lead a company while gorgeous, or wear pink to an interview at MIT. The reality of today is that girls can go anywhere and be anything."