She’s interviewed some of the most famous people of all time and is globally recognised as one of the funniest talk show hosts around. But a recent tweet from Ellen DeGeneres has got the whole world talking for all the wrong reasons.
Following Usain Bolt’s win in the men’s 100 metre sprint semifinal at the Rio Olympics on Monday, the 58-year-old funny woman tweeted a Photoshopped image of herself piggybacking a ride from the world record breaking athlete, along with the caption: “This is how I’m running errands from now on.”
Within moments, the Internet went wild, labelling DeGeneres a racist and pointing out that the image of a white woman riding on the back of a black man isn’t PC.
While many found the image funny and pointed out that it was referring to the speed of Bolt, not his race, and asked, “would it be offensive if he was white?” several Twitter users pointed out the deeper problems of the image.
The fastest runner in the world, Usain Bolt, competing at the Rio Olympics earlier this week. Source: Usain Bolt / Facebook.
"Idk," one user's response began, "But since white ppl were never treated like beasts of burden in the New World, we'll never know, will we?"
Another Twitter user wrote, "If I ignored US history & current climate of police lynching us, this "joke" would be hilarious."
Following the backlash, the Finding Dory star then explained, "I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am."
But still, many were not having a bar of it.
"Yet you found it appropriate to post a meme of you riding a Black dude like Ms. Daisy," one Twitter user asked.
As for Bolt, who was a guest on The Ellen Show last year, he seemed to appreciate the image, retweeting it on his account shortly after seeing it, sharing it with his 4.23 million followers.
Top Comments
"Ellen DeGeneres made a joke about Usain Bolt. Except no one is laughing."
Except people are laughing (even Bolt himself by the looks of it), aside from a small group who have to be perpetually offended over everything. Clearly, CLEARLY, this was a joke about his speed and not his race. The colour of his skin is completely irrelevant.
It reminds me of another popular joke doing the rounds right now.
If you were stuck on a remote island, what are three things you would bring?
1. Michael Phelps.
2. A saddle.
3. A stick with a gold medal hanging from a string.
Lmao thats a good one