Sticks and stones may break his bones but words will never hurt Russell Crowe. Not while he still has his sense of humour anyways.

Crowe was one the receiving end of some body shaming recently as pictures emerged of him in Sydney carrying a little bit of extra weight. The Gladiator star was pictured wearing a tank top and shorts as he kicked a rugby ball around. 

Crowe's weight gain reportedly came to the attention of radio shock jock, Howard Stern, who reportedly hadn't nice things to say about Crowe's frame. A fan brought Stern's alleged comments to Crowe's attention. 

Crowe didn't seem perturbed by it though. In fact he was quick to point out that he'd be happier to have his own physique ahead of Stern's.

Good on ya Russell.