However, some critics are crying foul at the cover shot, decrying it as fat-shaming.
In an article for Slate.com, writer June Thomas laments, "McCarthy's hair covers a quarter of her gorgeous face, and with her hands stuffed deep into her coat pockets, the only visible flesh is a tiny triangle between the coat's lapels and the briefest glimpse of calf."
McCarthy is seen wearing a large green coat that covers nearly her entire body, with unruly hair that also covers a portion of her face.
In contrast, other actresses who had their own covers, such as Reese Witherspoon, showed off their bodies in figure-hugging outfits.
People on Twitter expressed their outrage and disappointment: "#Elle Put Melissa McCarthy In A Big Coat To Hide Her Body - The coat is gorge, but the difference in shots is sad," tweeted Curvy Exchange, a community that buys and sells plus-sized fashion.
Elle responded to the controversy by releasing a statement about the November issue: "On all of our shoots, our stylists work with the stars to choose pieces they feel good in, and this is no different," a spokesperson for the magazine said. "Melissa loved this look, and is gorgeous on our cover. We are thrilled to honor her as one of our Women in Hollywood this year."
