Viola Davis has spoken!
You may recall that Davis was criticized over her Emmys’ acceptance speech by “General Hospital’s” Nancy Lee Grahn via Twitter for using the awards show as a “venue for racial opportunity.” Naturally, the soap star’s comments caused quite the controversy. Users not only called her a racist but slammed her credentials. In social media’s eyes, Grahn was simply jealous of Davis’ history making moment.
The backlash was so severe that it prompted Grahn to apologize, posting, “I said something stupid. I apologize. 30 yrs an advocate 4 human rights & now I’m a racist. Color me heartbroken. Twitter can bring out the best & sadly tonight the worst of us. I never meant to diminish her accomplishment. I wish I could get her roles. She is a goddess. I want equality 4 ALL women, not just actors. I apologize 2 anyone who I offended. I’m [a woman’s] advocate since I became one. After reading responses, I hear u and my tweet was badly phrased.”
Now Davis is speaking out, telling The New York Times, “If there has been any backlash, it’s that all people want to feel included in a speech.”
The 50-year-old continued, “I know there has been some backlash with an actress who didn’t feel she was included.” And when asked by the reporter if she was specifically speaking about Grahn, she replied, “Yes, I don’t know that I want to say more about that.”
