1. Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

2. Olivia Culpo is speaking out against the criticism she received after choosing a modest wedding dress for her marriage to NFL star Christian McCaffrey. The former Miss Universe dismisses the backlash as "mental gymnastics" and expresses sympathy for her online detractors.

Olivia Culpo is sharing her perspective on the controversy that erupted after she revealed her demure wedding gown for her nuptials with NFL star Christian McCaffrey.

Ahead of their June wedding, the 32-year-old model told Vogue that she desired a wedding gown that did not "exude sex in any way, shape or form." This comment sparked backlash on social media, prompting Culpo to express her bewilderment at the negative response.

1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

1. Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Culpo maintains that her words were "completely spun out of context." She says, "It took a lot of mental gymnastics for people to get to the conclusions that they got to on that one."

"I don't understand that mindset," Culpo adds. "I would never be that person to someone. So to imagine why somebody would do that to myself is something I'll never know."

1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

1. Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

Among Culpo's critics was fashion influencer Kennedy Bingham, who accused her of pushing a conservative agenda. However, Culpo's husband, McCaffrey, defended his wife, calling Bingham's post "evil."

Culpo expresses sympathy for her online detractors, saying, "I feel like trolls [are] people who are so upset with their lives that they have to spread hate." She believes that their criticism stems from their own unhappiness.

1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

1. Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

Despite the backlash, Culpo has no regrets about her wedding dress choice. She explains, "I chose the style of that dress because I liked the style, and I could see it standing the test of time."

Culpo and McCaffrey dated for five years before marrying in a church ceremony in Rhode Island. Culpo says their relationship has evolved since they became husband and wife, feeling more fulfilling and special.

1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

1. Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

She also credits her Christian faith as a guiding force in her personal and professional life. "You can lean into your faith in any capacity for any reason," Culpo says. "I think you can find a lot of answers through prayer."

Culpo recently partnered with PayPal, praising the convenience and rewards offered by its debit card for savvy shoppers. She says, "It just makes shopping way easier."

1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

1. Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'

In closing, Culpo reiterates her admiration for her husband McCaffrey, saying, "He's just the most supportive, amazing person." She adds, "I'm so grateful for him."

1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'1.  Olivia Culpo Defends Demure Wedding Dress After Backlash: 'It Took a Lot of Mental Gymnastics'