Melissa McCarthy responded graciously to Barbra Streisand's remarks regarding whether she used Ozempic.
In a post on Instagram dated May 1, the "Bridesmaids" actress shared her thoughts. McCarthy held up a magazine featuring Streisand and then lowered it to reveal her own face.
Her caption read, "So, Barbra Streisand acknowledges my existence? She got in touch with me and even complimented my appearance. That's a win in my book."
"Exclusive to @barbrastreisand fan club members!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️" captioned McCarthy alongside the video.
McCarthy's reaction follows Streisand clarifying that her public inquiry about whether McCarthy had taken Ozempic was meant as a compliment.
On April 29, Streisand, 82, surprised her fans by asking McCarthy, 53, if she had taken Ozempic, a Type 2 diabetes medication sometimes used off-label for weight loss. Streisand made this comment in response to a now-deleted Instagram photo from McCarthy, where she posed with director Adam Shankman at the Center Theatre Group gala.
McCarthy's post read, "Wearing pastels only to honor the amazing @matthewbourne13 at the @ctgla gala last night with this guy @adamshankman!! One step closer to my dream of dancing on stage."
Streisand's since-deleted comment, captured by the Comments By Celebs Instagram account, read, "Give him my regards, did you try Ozempic?"
Melissa McCarthy and Barbra Streisand in 2016.Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for BSBStreisand received backlash from shocked fans who felt her comment to McCarthy was inappropriate.
"Come on, Babs. Not cool," one fan commented.
"Barbra, that was a bit much," wrote another.
The next day, Streisand addressed the situation in a social media statement.
"I can't believe it — I was just scrolling through Instagram to admire the beautiful flowers I got for my birthday! And then I saw a picture of my dear friend Melissa McCarthy, whom I collaborated with on my Encore album," Streisand explained.
"She looked absolutely stunning! I simply wanted to give her a compliment. I forgot that everyone can see everything!" she added.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) April 30, 2024
McCarthy has been clear that Streisand's comment didn't bother her, expressing to a TMZ photographer, "I think Barbra is a treasure and I love her."
Some individuals on social media responded positively to Streisand's clarification, believing her remark towards McCarthy wasn't intended negatively.
"I understood your intention. Let's not worry about trivial things," one person replied to Streisand.
"It was a compliment. Melissa looks amazing. I could hear your tone in the comment, and it's all good. No big deal!" another person commented.
However, some suggested that Streisand's comment might have been better received if it were made privately to McCarthy.
"Next time, consider sending a DM instead of making it public for everyone," one person advised Streisand, adding, "I support you, Babs."
Streisand and McCarthy first collaborated during a duet of “Anything You Can Do” from the musical “Annie Get Your Gun" on Streisand's 2016 album "Encore."
McCarthy shared her experience with Entertainment Weekly last year, mentioning her initial expectations of Streisand acting regally.
"I almost expected that. But when she opened the door, she was wearing leggings and holding lunch meat. It wasn't what I imagined," McCarthy recalled.
“She’s just herself,” McCarthy continued. “And when someone you think you should be reverent towards is casually eating lunch meat, it's quite grounding. It was charming. I thought, ‘You’re really into that lunch meat.’ She said, ‘Yeah.’”