Is Amy Schumer Really the Most Successful Female Comedian of All Time?

Like many celebrities choosing to comment on the war between Israel and Hamas, Amy Schumer has come under fire online.

The 42-year-old actress and comedian, who was raised Jewish, has divided fans with her pro-Israel statements—particularly in a viral message chain between Schumer and Black Filipino actress Asia Johnson.

Responding to the fallout on Instagram, Schumer called out social media users who have insulted her appearance and comedic skills. "People calling me a failed comic. I'm the most successful female comedian of all time," she wrote in a statement Thursday.

"I'm ugly/fat okay sorry you're not attracted to me. I found someone who is. We are all in a lot of pain. What hurts the most is that we all actually love each other. You hate Jews. You don't know why. I still love you," she said.

Newsweek has reached out to Schumer for comment via email.

Whether or not you're a fan of Schumer's, describing yourself as the "most successful female comedian of all time" is a pretty big claim, and it has led to a backlash on social media. But is it true?

"I do believe Amy Schumer is one of the most successful comedians of our time," American actress and stand-up comedian Chanel Omari told Newsweek. "She has changed the game for comedy for female comedians especially and is just as genuine offstage as she is onstage."

Newsweek took a look at what it means to be a successful female comedian in the 21st century and whether Schumer is in the No. 1 spot.

Which Female Comedian Has the Highest Net Worth?

Financial reward is perhaps the easiest way to measure success, and when it comes to money, one female comedian stands above the rest—Ellen DeGeneres.

Although the 65-year-old's public image took a battering after allegations of on-set bullying on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, over her four-decade career DeGeneres has amassed a net worth of $500 million.

Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the second wealthiest female comedian in the world, with a net worth of $250 million, followed by Melissa McCarthy at $90 million, Tina Fey at $70 million and Whitney Cummings at $30 million, according to website The Richest.

Schumer is tied at sixth place with $25 million, alongside Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig and Amy Poehler.

Although fiscal success is an easy metric to measure, Omari, who hosts the pop culture podcast Chanel in the City, said money isn't usually the driving force for comedians.

"At the end of the day, comedians don't get into comedy because of money," she said. "We know in the beginning it doesn't make you much. We do it for the love of it, for the art of it."

But that doesn't mean wealth and fiscal rewards aren't welcome.

"I know my goal is to make the kind of money Ellen DeGeneres does, because who doesn't want her life and talents?" Omari said. "She is a perfect example, and so is Amy Schumer, of what a successful female stand-up comedian looks Iike."

Which Female Comedian Has Won the Most Awards?

This one is a bit tougher to measure, especially as many comedians are also talented actors, writers, philanthropists and more. Nevertheless, Tina Fey is definitely up there, with 56 wins and 148 nominations. As is Louis-Dreyfus, with 56 wins and 106 nominations.

Whoopi Goldberg has 59 wins—including the coveted EGOT designation for winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony during her six-decade career—along with 94 nominations. Melissa McCarthy has 39 wins and 111 nominations, while The Office writer and star Mindy Kaling has 14 wins and 40 nominations.

Although not quite reaching the heights of some of her peers, Schumer has her fair share of accolades. She has been nominated for 44 awards, including a Golden Globe, a Grammy and a Tony. She has 22 wins to her name, including a Primetime Emmy Award in 2014 for her sketch comedy series, Inside Amy Schumer. But how important is critical acclaim when humor is subjective?

"I do believe awards are important for a comedian's success," Omari said. "I think awards validate the art. However, I don't think we should have to get awards to be validated. I think going up onstage and making people laugh is the real reward."

Who Is the Best-Known Female Comedian of All Time?

When it comes to legacy, there are some big names to contend with. There is I Love Lucy star and Desliu Productions co-founder Lucille Ball, who has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for her film work and another for her contributions to television.

Joan Rivers is another female comedian credited with paving the way for future generations of women in comedy. Beginning as a stand-up performer in the 1960s, the late comedian turned TV host reinvented herself several times throughout her career and was still a major name when she died in 2014 at the age of 81.

Women of color such as Margaret Cho, Wanda Sykes and Tiffany Haddish have been praised for breaking barriers in comedy and becoming household names, as has Jewish comedian and actress Sarah Silverman.

Omari praises Schumer for similar reasons, describing her as a "prime example of what originality and authenticity looks like."

"She's not afraid to be herself, regardless of popular opinion," Omari said. "She has figured out how to relate to the world and turn hate into love and humor."

Is There a 'Most Successful Female Comedian in the World'?

Although factors such as awards and financial success are simple to assess, it appears that when it comes to comedy—and art in general—there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Nevertheless, marketability and public image will always be a factor. Omari said this is an area where Schumer excels.

"It goes back to what society is telling us who is the funniest," she said. "You need to have a certain résumé and a certain amount of people saying you're the most successful or funniest.

"Amy Schumer is one of the most successful [because] she gets consistent work as a comedian, has a tour, stars in movies, and has her own production company, product line and brand sponsorship."

However, in Omari's opinion, what counts as "success" in comedy is very personal.

"Success can mean different things to different people, especially in stand-up comedy," she said.

"Some people want to open up for a big headliner or doing stage time to get into movies or just doing it so they literally stay off the streets. It really depends what success means to you."