Sofia Vergara Tells Critics of Emmys Pedestal Gag to 'Lighten Up'

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Sofia Vergara thinks people need to "lighten up."

The "Modern Family" actress was referring to critics who called her rotating pedestal gag at Monday night's Emmy Awards sexist.

During the 66th annual awards, Vergara stood on a slowly rotating pedestal, showing off her curves while the president of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Bruce Rosenblum, spoke.

Vergara's curves were supposed to be a funny distraction from the Academy president's usual boring speech. Instead, the bit was slammed on Twitter and websites.

Salon called it "a bizarre, objectifying Emmy moment," while Jezebel fumed, "She was treated like a literal object."

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The Colombian actress and model, 42, didn't see the stunt as sexist or demeaning.

"I think it's absolutely the opposite," she told Entertainment Weekly. "It means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself. I think it's ridiculous that somebody started this - I know who she was - who has no sense of humor [and should] lighten up a little bit."

Vergara did not expound on who she believes started the criticism.

The backlash certainly didn't get in the way of her celebrating the fifth consecutive win for "Modern Family" for best comedy series. Vergara was later spotted at HBO's after party, shaking her famous curves on the dance floor.