Last week, Emma Watson was accused of ‘betraying’ her feminist ideals after she appeared in a fashion shoot with a portion of her breasts visible.

Now, in a powerful new video, the pioneer of the HeForShe campaign has responded to her critics – and exposed the glaring flaws in their argument.

“It just always reveals to me how many misconceptions and what a misunderstanding there is about what feminism is,” explained Watson.

“Feminism is about giving women choice. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom, it’s about liberation, it’s about equality.

“I really don’t know what my tits have to do with it. It’s very confusing.”

Read more: The semantics of sexism: Why it’s time to change the way we talk

The Beauty and the Beast star added: “I’m confused. Most people are confused. No, I’m just always just quietly stunned.”

The offending photograph, shot for Vanity Fair by celebrated fashion photographer, Tim Walker, shows Watson wearing a crocheted bolero over a sheer dress.

The jacket, which had been slipped over her shoulders for the shot, conceals her nipples and most of her breasts, as the 26-year-old crosses her arms in front of her midriff.

“We’d been doing so many crazy things on that shoot,” Watson said, “but it felt incredibly artistic and I’ve been so creatively involved and engaged with Tim [Walker].

“I’m so thrilled about how interesting and beautiful the photographs were.”

Read more: Brie Larson wore a low-cut top on The One Show – and misogynists lost their s**t

Watson’s co-star, Dan Stevens, can also be seen in the video – although it quickly becomes clear that he has not kept up with headlines over the past few days.

“What were people saying about your…?” he can be heard asking Watson.

Watson, turning to look at him, responds: “They were saying I couldn’t be a feminist and…”

“Have boobs?” he offers.

“And have boobs,” she agrees.

Elsewhere, social and political activist Gloria Steinem has been asked for her opinion on the argument – and it’s safe to say that the feminist icon has absolutely annihilated Watson’s critics.

When she was first approached by TMZ’s reporters at Los Angeles International Airport, Steinem admitted that she had not heard about the debate raging in the tabloids – and laughed heartily when she was told about Watson’s “betrayal” of feminists everywhere.

Finally regaining her composure, Steinem had a very simple message for anyone daring to suggest that women’s wardrobe choices somehow define their personal and political ideals.

 “Feminists can wear anything they f**king want.”

Images: Rex Pictures