Kristen Stewart Calls Rolling Stone Cover Criticism ‘Homophobic’: ‘It’s Not Remotely Explicit’

Kristen Stewart is speaking out against the haters.

The Loves Lies Bleeding star, 33, called criticism of her new Rolling Stone cover “sexist and homophobic” as she discussed the negative reactions over the January photo shoot on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday.

While discussing the topic on the show, host Stephen Colbert brought out a picture of the cover to show to the audience as he revealed that CBS had requested it not be shown.

“Now before I show this cover, I just want you to know and the audience to know that I think it’s a perfectly lovely cover. We were asked by CBS not to show it,” he said to Stewart. “They thought that would not be a good idea for us to show this and I understand why.”

Colbert then revealed the cover to a cheering audience as Stewart gave a thumbs up. “I want to say that you look better in a jockstrap than I ever did,” he told Stewart. 

When asked about the cover’s negative response, she responded, “Well, okay, let’s keep this light. You know, I think it's a little um … well, it’s a little ironic because I feel like I’ve seen, like, a lot of male pubic hair on the cover of things.”

“I’ve seen, like, a lot of hands in pants and like, unbuttoned … I think there’s a certain overt acknowledgement of a female sexuality that has its own volition in a way that is annoying for people who are sexist and homophobic,” Stewart continued.

Stewart appears on her latest cover for Rolling Stone wearing a white jockstrap and a black leather vest with her hand down the front of the jockstrap. She strikes an effortlessly cool pose for the camera. 

Colbert said of the cover on The Late Show on Monday, “I’ve certainly seen more revealing covers on Rolling Stone or Sports Illustrated for that matter.”

“It’s not remotely explicit, yeah,” agreed Stewart.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“No, I think it also violates public expectations of female sexuality as opposed to how you’re presenting it here,” Colbert said. 

Stewart continued, “Yes, because female sexuality isn’t supposed to actually want anything but to be had. And that feels like it’s protruding in a way that might be annoying.”

She added, looking at the camera, “… But f--- you,” as more cheers erupted from the audience.  Stewart then said jokingly, “But I never will!” as Colbert said, “I think that’s why they’re mad at you!”

“God, I’m so glad I landed that, phew!” remarked Stewart.

In her Rolling Stone interview, Stewart discussed why exactly she wanted to make such a provocative statement in her photo shoot.

“If I got through the entire Twilight series without ever doing a Rolling Stone cover, it’s because the boys were the sex symbols,” she said. "If I could grow a little mustache, if I could grow a f------ happy trail and unbutton my pants, I would. Guys — I’m sorry — but their f------ pubes are shoved in my face constantly, and I’m like, ‘Ummmm, bring it in.’”

She went on to tell the outlet that she wanted everything about her cover shoot to be the "gayest f------ thing you’ve ever seen in your life."