Olivia Newton-John responds to critics who complain that Grease’s themes are problematic

Olivia Newton-John has spoken out after online critics took offense to her 1978 film, Grease, following the film’s recent UK release.

Speaking on the podcast, A Life of Greatness, Tuesday, the 72-year-old singer and actress called the reaction “ stupid. ”

“In this particular case, I think it’s a bit silly,” she began.

‘Silly’: Olivia Newton-John has spoken out after online critics took offense to her 1978 film, Grease, following a recent UK release of the film. Pictured with co-star John Travolta

“The movie was made in the 70’s, around the 50’s. It was a play, it’s a musical, it’s funny, it’s a funny musical and not to be taken in. serious. I think everyone takes everything so seriously.

“We need to relax a bit and enjoy things for what they are. I haven’t seen it like that at all, and I think it’s just a fun movie that keeps people entertained, that’s it.

Twitter users accused the film of being sexist and “ a bit screwed up ” after a TV screening on Boxing Day in the UK.

Take a Stand: Speaking on the podcast, A Life of Greatness on Tuesday, the 72-year-old singer and actress called the reaction ‘stupid’

“Ahhh man. I’m just watching #Grease one of my favorite movies and it’s so much of its time. Misogynistic, sexist and a bit rapey, ” one person tweeted.

Many viewers criticized Olivia’s character, Sandy, for changing her appearance to win John Travolta’s character, Danny.

Others complained about a scene where one of the characters hid under a sports field bleacher so they could search for the girls’ skirts.

“The movie was made in the 70’s, around the 50’s. It was a play, it’s a musical, it’s funny, it’s a funny musical and not to be taken if seriously. I think everyone takes everything so seriously, ” she said

“We need to relax a bit and just enjoy things for what they are. I haven’t seen it like that at all, and I think it’s just a fun movie that keeps people entertained, that’s it, ” she said. Photographed at the G’Day USA Gala in Los Angeles in January 2018

Viewers also criticized a lyric in the song, Summer Nights, where Danny’s friends ask him about his romance with Sandy: “ Tell me more, tell me more. She fought herself?

Some people criticized the film’s lack of diversity, with one viewer saying it was ‘full of white people’.

Others also complained that Rizzo, another character in the movie, was ‘ashamed’ after finding out she was pregnant.

Makeover: Many viewers criticized Olivia’s character, Sandy, for changing her appearance to win John Travolta’s character, Danny