Ellen DeGeneres Posts Meme With Olympian Usain Bolt, Responds To Racism Accusations
Ellen DeGeneres posted a meme of herself with Usain Bolt that proved inflammatory on Twitter. The TV host and comedian has since responded to the backlash.
Ellen DeGeneres Usain Bolt Meme
Bolt won the 100m race Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, marking the third time that the Jamiacan runner had won the gold in the Olympic event. During the race, a picture was taken of a smiling Bolt easily outpacing his competition. Many took to social media to make memes with the picture – including DeGeneres.
DeGeneres’ meme was photoshopped to feature her getting a piggyback ride from the sprinting Bolt. She captioned the image, “This is how I’m running errands from now on.”
This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016
Though the host’s tweet was likely posted with no ill-intent, some believed that it was racially insensitive.
@TheEllenShow honestly this is offensive.
— Jazz (@JazzleDazzler) August 15, 2016
@TheEllenShow @usainbolt So riding on his back like a mule, a horse as some form of property is fun to you…
Ok.
— 777-9311 (@MiQL) August 15, 2016
Others defended the comedian, pointing out that DeGeneres’ tweet was merely a comment on Bolt’s speed.
We have bigger issues to worry about than that picture. Insane people find it offense! #UsainBolt #EllenDeGeneres https://t.co/K34m0T4tUz
— Shawn/TrulyBlessed81 (@MsCincy) August 16, 2016
Wait. People are really outraged by that Ellen DeGeneres and Usain Bolt pic? I think it’s funny. Y’all are too sensitive.
— Charles Broccoli (@hotterthanjuly) August 16, 2016
DeGeneres responded to the backlash Tuesday, tweeting, “I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.”
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
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