London, Nov 23 - Hollywood actress Eva Mendes has blasted religious critics for tagging her Calvin Klein lingerie ad as raunchy. She insists the semi-naked poster is "tasteful and beautiful" and not otherwise.

Imdb. com reports that the actress' latest ad for the fashion firm raised eyebrows, particularly a poster in downtown New York City that shows the half-naked star sprawled across an entire city block.

Critics protested and wanted the poster pulled down, but Mendes insists they're wrong in their approach.

"It's a religious group that has a problem with the image. That's what I love about this country. We can voice our opinions and beliefs like that. But they're wrong. I don't think I'm traumatising any children. I think it's a really tasteful and beautiful ad," she said. (IANS)