Sofia Vergara on criticism her Emmys skit was sexist: 'It's ridiculous'

Sofia Vergara has lambasted critics who said her comedy routine in Monday's Emmy Awards ceremony, when the shapely actress revolved on a pedestal to draw attention to a pro forma speech, was sexist.

"I think it's absolutely the opposite," the "Modern Family" star, 42, told Entertainment Weekly backstage during the 66th annual prime time television awards. She said the satirical routine -- accompanying Academy of Television Arts & Sciences president Bruce Rosenblum's speech saying television must "always . . . [give] the viewer something compelling to watch" -- "means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself. And enjoy and work and make money. So I absolutely think it's ridiculous and it's somebody who started this -- who I know who she was -- has no sense of humor and should lighten up a little bit."

Vergara -- TV's highest-paid actress and a four-time Emmy nominee -- did not specify to whom she was referring. Critics included Kara Brown on the women's website Jezebel.com, who lamented, "She was treated like a literal object," and newswoman Katie Couric, who tweeted, "I love Sofia Vergara but did anyone find that schtick somewhat offensive?"

Vergara's critics received criticism as well, with both women and men tweeting comments including, "Satire, anyone?" and "I s'pose Emmys was being ironic w/ Sofia Vergara stunt. But most folks don't 'get' irony."