Ashley Fink Defends Lauren On ‘Glee’ As A Real Representation Of Plus-Sized High School Experiences

Ashley Fink says she’s had an entirely different reaction from plus-sized women than the one Rosie O’Donnell got about her character, Lauren Zizes, on “Glee.”

Rosie previously told Access Hollywood that the character Lauren and her relationship with high school hunk Puck (played by Mark Salling) “strikes a chord with every overweight woman I know,” adding, “Every woman I know who’s heavy has strong feelings about that storyline. They’re like, ‘Can you believe that? I think that’s horrible. That never happens in school.’”

Ashley, however, disagrees with the ladies who spoke to Rosie. In a new interview, the “Glee” actress told The Advocate that her storyline, which has seen a flirtation between Lauren and Puck, could happen in real life.

“It’s so crazy. Rosie’s been talking about me for a bit now, and it was very positive. Then she was on Access Hollywood, promoting a new hairstyle or something, and for some reason she decided to talk about me again,” Ashley said. “I’ve been a fan of Rosie’s for a long time… so I am surprised at the comments she made. I’ve got swagger too, so I don’t find my storyline unrealistic.”

In fact, Ashley said her own high school experience is very similar to Lauren’s — she too had a romance with a hot boy.

“When I went to performing arts high school, I did date the cutest boy in school, and I sang whatever song I wanted,” Ashley told The Advocate. ” My storyline has resonated with a lot of people, plus-sized and not, who don’t feel ‘other,’ so I’m honored to portray Lauren.”

Rosie told Access she was hoping for a different kind of number with Lauren’s character, who had her singing debut last week with The Waitress’ “I Know What Boys Like.”

“I just was like, ‘Where’s the Susan Boyle moment? She’s gonna belt it out of the park!’ and then she did, ‘I know what boys like, I know what guys want’? Rosie told Access. “I was like, ‘I want more than this.’”

It turns out Ashley wants more from her character too, in terms of tunes.

“Lauren was nervous. Everyone has a weak spot, and Lauren had stage fright. Glee club is opening up her heart, so I hope that the next time she sings she gets to shake the rafters,” Ashley said.