Social media sites are still buzzing about the Academy Awards Huffington Post Twitter Takeover by comedian Chelsea Handler.
Her tweets, which were supposed to be an irreverent way to follow the Oscars on Twitter, sparked accusations of racism.
For instance, she tweeted an awkward line while promoting her upcoming book: “Congratulations #12yearsaslave Go to Africa or buy #ugandabekiddingme http://amzn.to/1de1ka9 #aheadofthecurve #Oscars.”
People responded via Twitter with words like “disgraceful,” ”offensive” and “racist.” She took swipe at best supporting actress winner Lupita Nyong’o, tweeting, “#AngelinaJolie just filed adoption papers #lupitanyongo #Oscars -@chelseahandler.” Even Sidney Poitier wasn’t spared as the academy celebrated the 50th anniversary of his Oscar win for best actor in Lilies of the Field.
Handler has made public statements in defense of her humor, the latest being on MSNBC’s Ronan Farrow Daily this Friday.
She was unapologetic to Ronan Farrow, saying she had no comment about complaints that her material is racist. She instead argued that she only caters to those who “get” her brand of comedy. When ask should she be more sensitive with her humor about racial themes, she said, “If you are not talking about black people, but talking about everybody else, that’s racist.”