Sofia Vergara has hit back at criticism she has received for performing a so-called ''sexiest'' skit at the Emmy Awards, insisting she was merely poking fun at herself.

The 'Modern Family' star was slammed for posing on a rotating platform while the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences president Bruce Rosenblum gave his annual speech at the ceremony at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre yesterday (25.08.14), but she insists she was innocently poking fun at herself.

Speaking to reporters backstage at the event, the star hit back: ''I think it's absolutely the opposite. It means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself.''

Sofia slammed the ''sexist'' claims as ''ridiculous'' and pointed out she was aware who started the barrage of abuse, but did not name names. The brunette beauty added: ''I think it's ridiculous that somebody started this - I know who she was- who has no sense of humour [and should] lighten up a little bit.''

Sofia wore a strapless white gown while she was posing on the rotating platform and was criticised by several social networking users. One angry viewer wrote on Twitter: ''aaaand with that sexist Sophia Vergara bit, my TV is now off. Didn't last long. (sic)''

Another sarcastically wrote: ''Sophia Vergara was literally just used as a prop, because women are props. Cool #Emmys (sic)''

But there was some joy for Sofia at the ceremony as 'Modern Family' picked up the Outstanding Comedy award.