Ellen DeGeneres has defended a tweet she posted about Usain Bolt‚ after facing accusations of racism from fans.
Following Usain’s big win in the 100 metre semi-finals‚ Ellen took to Instagram to make a joke about the Jamaican runner on her Twitter account.
The seasoned talk show host superimposed an image of herself on Usain’s back and wrote alongside it: “This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016.”
The picture soon went viral but fans and critics were not impressed by the picture‚ labelling it “insensitive” and “racist.”
Local radio personality Bob Mabena was one of those who took exception to the picture‚ as he lambasted it for being both “stupid” and an “offensive lapse in judgement” on his Instagram account.
“@theellenshow I wouldn’t go so far as to call her racist for this stupid picture. Let’s call it offensive lapse in judgement. Sorely disappointed at Ellen‚” he wrote.
Taking to Twitter following the backlash‚ Ellen defended the meme: “I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country.”
“It is the furthest thing from who I am‚” she added.
Usain didn’t seem at all offended by the meme‚ as he later reweeted Ellen’s response.
Ellen DeGeneres responds to 'racist' Usain Bolt meme
Ellen DeGeneres has defended a tweet she posted about Usain Bolt‚ after facing accusations of racism from fans.
Following Usain’s big win in the 100 metre semi-finals‚ Ellen took to Instagram to make a joke about the Jamaican runner on her Twitter account.
The seasoned talk show host superimposed an image of herself on Usain’s back and wrote alongside it: “This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016.”
The picture soon went viral but fans and critics were not impressed by the picture‚ labelling it “insensitive” and “racist.”
Local radio personality Bob Mabena was one of those who took exception to the picture‚ as he lambasted it for being both “stupid” and an “offensive lapse in judgement” on his Instagram account.
“@theellenshow I wouldn’t go so far as to call her racist for this stupid picture. Let’s call it offensive lapse in judgement. Sorely disappointed at Ellen‚” he wrote.
Taking to Twitter following the backlash‚ Ellen defended the meme: “I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country.”
“It is the furthest thing from who I am‚” she added.
Usain didn’t seem at all offended by the meme‚ as he later reweeted Ellen’s response.
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