Ellen DeGeneres’ Usain Bolt meme courts Twitter backlash as presenter responds to ‘racism’ allegations
US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres has responded to controversy on Twitter after sharing a Photoshopped image of herself riding on the back of Olympic champion Usain Bolt.
Ellen posted the altered image of herself and Bolt on Monday evening
This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016
On Monday (15 August) the TV star tweeted an altered version of Getty’s iconic image of Bolt smiling during Sunday's 100m men’s semi-finals at the Olympics. She captioned the picture: “This is how I’m running errands from now on #Rio2016.”
Users were quick to accuse DeGeneres of “racism” over the post, dubbing it “offensive” and “racist garbage.” One user wrote: "Imagine a white man Photoshop himself riding Elaine Thompson.”
@TheEllenShow You thought it'd be funny to post a pic of yourself riding on the back of a Black man? Nope. Delete this racist garbage.
— Mike (@MikeAllen_47) August 15, 2016
Which intern with B-level Photoshop skills posted this? Who thought Ellen riding Bolt like he's her mule is cute? https://t.co/6jox5MNMRW
— TayGo (@taygogo) August 15, 2016
@TheEllenShow @usainbolt This is so wrong. I'm not watching Ellen any more #BoycottEllen
— Trisha Hernandez (@twiztedtree) August 16, 2016
The presenter's fans, meanwhile, were quick to support her – with one noting that the tweet was simply "insensitive".
@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
I don't think Ellen is racist. But I KNOW that photoshopping your pic on a Black man's back w a caption a running errands is insensitive af.
— Lwaxana Troi (@jennib3) August 16, 2016
DeGeneres posted a second tweet yesterday (17 August) that indirectly addressed the accusations against her. Saying racism was the "furthest thing," from who she was.
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
The original image of Bolt racing to the finish line with ease has been shared thousands of times since Sunday evening.