Gina Rodriguez Slams Online Bully For Accusing Her of Using Heritage as 'Marketing'

"Jane The Virgin" star Gina Rodriguez slams the online bully who accused her of using her heritage as a "marketing" tool.

In a report by Fox News Latino, Rodriguez showed her feisty side when she shut down a Twitter user who claimed that the actress was using her Spanish-speaking ability and heritage for marketing. A man under the username Sergio Garces said that it's ironic that Gina, who is "proud" about her Hispanic heritage, can't speak Spanish.

"Trying to understand how a person 'proud' of her Hispanic Heritage like @HereIsGina can't even speak Spanish... #LatinIssuesinUS #lame," the tweet said.

The 31-year-old actress took the time to answer the tweet and defended herself. Rodriguez called out Garces and questioned him about discriminating against "his people." The "Jane The Virgin" actress called the Twitter user "hater" for his comments. Garces responded again by saying that he didn't want to discriminate but said that some use their "Latino heritage" as a "marketing tool."

Rodriguez corrected his accusations and said that just because she doesn't know how to speak Spanish as fluently as others do not mean that she is not proud of her heritage. She also added that being a woman of color, her heritage is something that she doesn't forget. The issue continued as Rodriguez said that discrimination is present in the community.

"This is a very serious discrimination that exists amongst our community and sadly separates us, weakens us!" the actress said. "Girl, you are as Mexican and Latina as you want to be. You define who you are, not someone's silly alienating opinion."

The Washington Post made an article that tackled more of Rodriguez's feisty side and her sense of identity. Rodriguez said that she has gotten backlash for being outspoken and due to Latino stereotyping.

"I'm a human being who also f---s up and trips all over the place, but I'm trying. And I am going to fail, and I am going to annoy some people by speaking up, and that's just what it is," Gina said.

Aside from acting, Rodriguez is now also a co-founder of a lingerie start up. The actress joined lingerie brand Naja, which is an eco-friendly and socially conscious company. The actress decided to partner with the business to help spread the message of women empowerment.

Rodriguez is dubbed as Hollywood Reporter's "Next Big Thing", and was included in the list of "Top 35 Latinos Under 35."