Emma Watson has hit back at criticism over her recent Vanity Fair cover shoot that saw her flashing her boobs in a white outfit.

The 26-year-old Beauty and the Beast star suffered a backlash from some fans following the release of the latestissue of the glossy magazine.

However she has hit back at those who took aim at her to claim she was ‘not’ a feminist because of the shoot.

“They were saying I couldn’t be a feminist and have boobs,” the British actress sighed during a chat with the BBC.

She said those attacking her for her provocative shoot had completely failed to understand what feminism is.

"Feminism is about giving women choice. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom! It’s about liberation! It’s about equality!” she raged.

“I really don’t know what my t*ts have to do with it. It’s very confusing. I’m confused,” she added.

“Most people are confused. I’m always just quietly stunned,” she said.

Emma has been a strong voice for equality for women in recent years – spearheading a campaign called He For She which encouraged men to stand up for women suffering from inequality.

She has also spoken at the United Nations about the topic – and her current role as Belle in Beauty & The Beast has been praised for giving a powerful feminist message as the Princess is an active character in the film instead of being passive.

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