TV personality and comedienne Ellen DeGeneres was in hot water over a tweet considered as “racist” on social media.
The popular talk-show host tweeted a doctored meme of DeGeneres piggyback-riding Usain Bolt, Olympic veteran sprinter, and multi-gold medalist, on Monday. The image used in the tweet was the viral photo of Bolt smiling for the camera while “going for the gold” at the 2016 Rio Olympics 100-meter-race.
This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016
“This is how I’m running errands from now on,” the caption read.
While some found the post as another humorous joke from DeGeneres, a large population of social media users distastefully impugned the “racist” image. Some depicted the meme as a white woman riding at the back of a black man.
….yet you found it appropriate to post a meme of you riding a Black dude like Ms. Daisy.
Have a seat. ☕ @TheEllenShow
— James Bottom-win (@angryblackhoemo) August 16, 2016
@TheEllenShow You thought it'd be funny to post a pic of yourself riding on the back of a Black man? Nope. Delete this racist garbage.
— Mike (@MikeAllen_47) August 15, 2016
Y'all know Damn well Ellen ain't racist but y'all gon act like she is because it's social media and y'all annoying.
— Problematic Bear (@SeanTheTerrible) August 16, 2016
If Usain was white, y'all wouldn't care. We all know Ellen isn't racist & didn't mean any harm by that. Stop it
On Tuesday, DeGeneres tweeted her response on the issue. “I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am,” she said. She also tweeted a throwback clip of Bolt guesting on her show. Gianna Francesca Catolico
I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 16, 2016
Heres something you dont see very often-@UsainBolt losing a race. This was 1 of my favorite moments from last season https://t.co/oj9qC03Kxu
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016