Ellen Pompeo found herself on the receiving end of some backlash on Friday after tweeting with Black emojis.
In response to a tweet by A&E announcing that they have opted to change the name of their controversial “Generation KKK” project title, the actress issued a round of Black clapping emojis as well as a Black thumbs-up.
While some fans thanked the “Grey’s Anatomy” star for appearing to voice her approval, other Twitter users — mainly Black Twitter — criticized her.
Meanwhile, Pompeo attempted to diffuse the drama, tweeting, “What’s crazy is how angry everyone is … this is all about emojis people,” before adding, “It was a really positive thing a&e did … now that’s not the focus … my fault for responding.”
What’s crazy is how angry everyone is… this is all about emojis people
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 23, 2016
She continued, “But sad to see racism is still alive and well on all sides.”
As fans know far too well, Pompeo is married to Chris Ivery and they share two biracial children. Unfortunately for the actress, it was the very mention of her interracial relationship that rubbed people the wrong way. “You do realize … being married to a Black man and having Black children can make you a target from racist White people, right? That’s a thing,” she wrote.
Realizing that she may have offended some, the 47-year-old quickly tried to issue an apology, writing, “I’m so sad that people attacked me over standing up for equality. I’m sad that people chose anger, and I’m sorry if I offended anyone.” But alas, the back-and-forth continued for more than three hours.
No but I do fear for my husband constantly which is why I care about the issue https://t.co/qrdMqsLAks
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 24, 2016
I’m not embarrassed and I’m not contradicting myself it’s a very complex issue and one I care about so …I engage https://t.co/wgr6rIOcB2
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 24, 2016
YES! Because I care! https://t.co/i3dI4C211u
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 24, 2016
Of course, this not the first time Pompeo has voiced her concern over racial issues in Hollywood. In 2013, she made headlines after slamming the Emmy Awards over their continual lack of diversity.
“I didn’t see any diversity in the Emmys at all,” she said in an interview. “The Emmys felt so dated to me. … That dance number was embarrassing. Did you see one person of color in that dance number?”
She then expressed pride over “Grey’s Anatomy” for breaking down that barrier. “I’m extremely proud of our very, very diverse cast which represents the world I walk around in every day.”
What are your thoughts on Pompeo’s use of Black emojis — cool or not so cool? Sound off in the comment section below.
