Lily Collins defends her 'Emily in Paris' character: 'She has such beautiful qualities'
Watch: Lily Collins loves Emily in Paris costumes
Lily Collins has spoken in defence of her character in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, saying she understands why people find her "annoying" but she has "such beautiful qualities".
The successful series was immediately controversial due to its supposedly tone-deaf portrayal of a clueless American encountering a selection of French stereotypes.
It received two nominations at this year's Golden Globes — including a Best Actress nod for Collins — but was embroiled in controversy over claims voters were flown to France for a free luxury trip.
Read more: Emily in Paris writer surprised at Golden Globes noms
In a chat with Nylon, Collins revealed she sees the character in a different way to many of those who negatively reviewed the show.
"A lot of the qualities that Emily has, if you put them on paper, would seem so annoying," said the 32-year-old star.
Collins added: "To have someone be optimistic, bright and bubbly — it's sad to think that people would look and go: 'that's a lot'.
"They're such beautiful qualities, and the fact that she can partner that with being vulnerable and asking for help and making mistakes — she's not infallible."
Read more: Collins believes Ted Bundy victims contacted her after role
The second season of Emily in Paris is due to hit Netflix in December, catching up with Emily and her new relationship with neighbour Gabriel (Lucas Bravo).
Collins said the show exists in "a heightened reality" for the character, and it's from her perspective that the story is told, making some of the pratfalls and comedy moments feel sillier.
She added: "It’s just that when you put them all together in a TV show that also aesthetically looks the way it does, it's a little less believable.”
Collins said the character is a "modern woman" and not simply a reworking of Sarah Jessica Parker's character in Sex and the City — even though the two shows share creator Darren Star.
Read more: First look at the Sex and the City spin-off series
She added: "She's in no way mimicking Carrie's life. Emily probably grew up having Carrie Bradshaw posters on her wall."
Emily in Paris will return to Netflix UK from 22 December.
Watch: Trailer for Emily in Paris
