On Tuesday, Ellen DeGeneres responded to accusations that a Photoshopped Usain Bolt tweet she posted was racist.
The controversy started when DeGeneres posted a picture of herself riding piggyback-style on a smiling Bolt as he raced to the finish line, in the now famous photograph of his semifinal win at the Olympics. “This is how I’m running errands from now on,” tweeted DeGeneres on Monday.
This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016
The tweet incited some backlash, with Twitter users saying it was racist of DeGeneres, a white woman, to picture herself riding on top of Bolt, a black man. The photograph of Bolt beaming as he races far ahead of his competition went viral this week and many people have turned it into a popular Internet meme.
“I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country,” wrote DeGeneres in response to the controversy. “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
Here’s a look at the conflicting social media reactions to DeGeneres’ tweet.
@TheEllenShow so the first thing that pops in your head when looking at this pic is “oh let me jump onto his back like he’s a common mule”?
— Jon Snow-ratio (@Jhoratio) August 15, 2016
@TheEllenShow This is so gross. Fire whoever did this.
— dai for night (@daibyday) August 15, 2016
@iyonah @daibyday @TheEllenShow What’s wrong with it? She’s saying he’s fast. Nothing more. Nothing less
— Bryan Young (@BryanIsTheKing) August 16, 2016
@TheEllenShow @usainbolt literally I’m black and don’t take offense to this she’s basically complimenting him on his speed and stamina
— R (@fourfivehours) August 15, 2016
@BryanIsTheKing @TheEllenShow @usainbolt If I ignored US history & current climate of police lynching us, this “joke” would be hilarious.
— 777-9311 (@MiQL) August 16, 2016
@TheEllenShow @usainbolt i dont know why ppl are offended by this. This is the fastest man in the world we’re talking about
— Pretty Flacko Trezzy (@tbyrd423) August 16, 2016
@TheEllenShow @usainbolt Honestly, there’s nothing offensive in this photo. Its merely a compliment on his speed. Get over yourselves, world
— JLeonard (@vivelagaia) August 16, 2016
Bolt has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show before; last season he raced an 8-year-old Jamaican video star. DeGeneres shared a clip from the moment on Twitter, an hour after posting the now-controversial piggyback tweet.
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
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