Was Sofia Vergara Subjected To Sexism At 2014 Emmy Awards? Actress Responds To Critics

"Modern Family" actress Sofia Vergara has built an empire largely by having one of the most amazing bodies in Hollywood. But when she put it on full display on-stage at the 2014 Emmy Awards Monday night, the critics took issue.

While the chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Bruce Rosenblum, made his annual speech at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, all eyes were on Vergara as she stepped on a turntable that rotated 360 degrees, showing off her curves in a white form-fitting Roberto Cavalli gown. Rosenblum commented that he wanted to offer viewers “something compelling to look at.”

The audience laughed as the 40-year-old actress rubbed on her derriere, but critics found it offensive. Many called the display “sexist” and “objectifying.”

Journalist Katie Couric expressed her opinion via Twitter.

Vergara later mocked critics who thought she was just selling sex. “I think it’s absolutely the opposite. 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 told Entertainment Weekly.

Meanwhile, female fans were likely disappointed when Vergara showed up on the red carpet without boyfriend Joe Manganiello. The two have been inseparable since they began dating earlier this year.

“He's really hot; that's why I didn't bring him. He's too hot and too tall. He takes up a lot of space. I'm like, 'Listen, Joe, please, don't go,'” she told E! News.