Ellen DeGenres is being accused of being racist after tweeting a picture which shows her sitting on Usain Bolt’s back.
This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) August 15, 2016
The photoshopped picture in which the US comedian appears to be seated on Bolt’s back as he is running is captioned “This is how I’m running errands from now on”.
The post attracted a lot of criticism from some who think the picture is racist.
Some even went as far as to say that the comedian and talk-show host should shut down her show.
https://twitter.com/MikeAllen_47/status/765332700194443264
https://twitter.com/MiQL/status/765336547273027584
Yo, what the fuck? Who approved this bullshit?
— Tony Sparks (@WarWizard) August 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/sIymm/status/765719240024399872
https://twitter.com/Mikeliving783/status/765934165120266241
However many people were quick to dismiss the claims that Ellen had been racist in posting the picture. Usain Bolt was also noted to have retweeted the post.
https://twitter.com/AdamMcKola/status/765855721292431360
@usainbolt literally I'm black and don't take offense to this she's basically complimenting him on his speed and stamina
— 🐚 (@fourfivehours) August 15, 2016
@usainbolt Wow. You offended people grow up. It was a commentary on him being the fastest man in the world you clowns.
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) August 17, 2016
for the record, @TheEllenShow is the FURTHEST from racist there can be. It was a joke y'all. Usain is the fastest man in the world. #chill
— Stephen tWitch Boss (@official_tWitch) August 17, 2016
Ellen was quick to refute the accusations of being racist saying,
“I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.”
Ellen has been a long time support of equality, calling for more diversity in film saying it was long overdue.
Talking about diversification of the Oscars she said,
“It’s always amazing to me that it’s taken this long for all of us to realise we should all be represented in film and television,
“There’s a planet full of people that aren’t white heterosexual. There’s a lot of people of colour, fat people, people that aren’t absolutely perfect.”
So do you think Ellen’s meme was insensitive or a ill-thought out joke?
