Olivia Newton-John hits back on critics who complained that the themes in Grease are problematic

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‘Everyone takes everything so seriously’: Olivia Newton-John hits back on critics who complained that the themes in Grease are problematic

By Demeter Stamell for Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Olivia Newton-John has spoken out after online critics took offense at her 1978 film, Grease, following a recent UK airing of the film.

Speaking to the podcast, A Life of Greatness, on Tuesday, the 72-year-old singer and actress called the backlash ‘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 at her 1978 film, Grease, following a recent UK airing of the film. Shown with co-star John Travolta

‘Silly’: Olivia Newton-John has spoken out after online critics took offense at her 1978 film, Grease, following a recent UK airing of the film. Shown 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 fun, it’s a fun movie musical, and not that serious. I think everyone takes everything so seriously.

‘We need to relax a bit and just enjoy things as they are. I haven’t seen it like that at all, and I think it’s just a fun movie that entertains people, that’s all. ‘

Twitter users accused the film of being sexist and ‘a bit rapey’ after a Boxing Day TV screening in the UK.

Take a stand: In the podcast A Life of Greatnes¿s on Tuesday, the 72-year-old singer and actress called the resistance 'stupid'

Backlash: Twitter users accused the film of being sexist and 'a little rapey' after a Boxing Day TV screening in the UK

Taking a stand: In the podcast A Life of Greatness on Tuesday, the 72-year-old singer and actress called the backlash ‘stupid’

Ahhh man. Just watch #Grease, one of my favorite movies and it’s so contemporary. Misogynistic, sexist and a little bit rapey, ‘one person tweeted.

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

Others complained about a scene where one of the characters was hiding under a grandstand of a sports field so he could look up girls’ skirts.

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

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

'We need to relax a bit and just enjoy things as they are. I haven't seen it like that at all, and I think it's just a fun movie that entertains people, that's all, 'she said. Pictured at the G'Day USA gala in Los Angeles in January 2018

‘We need to relax a bit and just enjoy things as they are. I haven’t seen it like that at all, and I think it’s just a fun movie that entertains people, that’s all, ‘she said. Pictured at the G’Day USA gala in Los Angeles in January 2018

Viewers also hit a line in the song, Summer Nights, where Danny’s friends ask him about his romance with Sandy: ‘Tell me more, tell me more. Did she fight? ‘

Some people criticized the film’s lack of diversity, with one viewer claiming he was ‘full of whites’.

Others also complained that Rizzo, another character in the movie, was ‘s ** t-shamed’ after finding out she was pregnant.

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

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

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