LeAnn Rimes Confronts Gossip, Rumors Head-On During 'Ellen' Appearance

There's been a lot of focus on country star LeAnn Rimes this week. Part of it, of course, has to do with the fact that she's just released her first studio album in four years. But, another big part of it is what people have come to expect when they hear Rimes's name--more tabloid gossip about her marriage to actor Eddie Cibrian and her skinny figure.

Well, it seems Rimes is determined to put a stop to the chatter once and for all. During an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show Thursday, she had some stern words for her critics--calling the accusations about her weight "bullying" and disrespectful.

Rimes firmly stated to DeGeneres that she is not anorexic or bulimic, saying such claims are "namecalling" on the part of the tabloids. "These are diseases," she said. "I feel a sense of responsibilty for the people who are actually going through the diseases. And I'm not one of them."

"I do feel that the press has been very irresponsible with calling a lot of people fat or anorexic," she added. "It seems like bullying now, instead of really taking these diseases seriously that a lot of people are going through."

Rimes also addressed her five-month-old marriage to Cibrian, whom she started dating when both were still married to their respective first spouses. "It's hard to see tons of lies written about a situation that people know nothing about," she told DeGeneres.

She explained that Cibrian's two young sons--whom she referred to as her "bonus boys"--are a big part of why she and Cibrian have not defended their relationship more vehemently. "Because there's kids involved, sometimes you have to take the high road, instead of screaming from the top of a mountain.

"Obviously we made decisions that were not the right ones," Rimes admitted. "But they brought us to a place where we are now. And we're happy and we're married."