Meryl Streep's 'Suffragette' t-shirt sparks backlash

Less than a week after facing the ire of bloggers for suggesting in an interview that she was "a humanist" rather than a feminist, Meryl Streep has come under further criticism while promoting her latest film Suffragette.

In a photoshoot for Time Out London, the actress, alongside fellow Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, is seen proudly sporting a t-shirt with the slogan 'I'd rather be a rebel than a slave.'

The line is taken from a 1913 speech by British women's rights activist Emmeline Pankhurst (who Streep portrays in the film). The full passage reads: "I know that women, once convinced that they are doing what is right, that their rebellion is just, will go on, no matter what the difficulties, no matter what the dangers, so long as there is a woman alive to hold up the flag of rebellion. I would rather be a rebel than a slave."

However, it hasn't exactly received cheers of support from all sides, with the line facing a backlash on social media for its connotations with American history, especially slavery and the Confederate rebellion.

Activist Deray McKesson tweeted that Streep - or her publicist - should "know better."

Writer Jamilah Lemieux echoed the criticism.

Suffragette, which is set for release in the U.S. on Oct. 23, opens the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 7.

Photos of Meryl Streep from over the years:

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