Usain Bolt’s mid-race smile has become a new template for internet memes as the Jamaican sprinter effortlessly won the men's 100m race semi-final at the Olympics in Rio and still found the time to crack a smile for the camera.
As the picture began making the rounds on social media, Twitter soon erupted with memes.
Bolt’s mid-race smile is new template for internet memes
https://twitter.com/sporker_/status/764991901535797249
On Monday, Ellen DeGeneres also posted her own meme of her riding the back of the gold medalist.
This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) August 15, 2016
However, what was meant as a joke soon backfired as many considered the image to be racist and insensitive.
https://twitter.com/MiQL/status/765336547273027584
https://twitter.com/MiQL/status/765343332738273280
https://twitter.com/MikeAllen_47/status/765332700194443264
they were complimented on their strength. So i guess they weren't racist. pic.twitter.com/sXgo85VSvW
— Mahogany Pantsula (@Abut_Reo) August 16, 2016
In pictures: Bolt makes Olympic history with 100-metre triumph
There were many, however, who had the comedian's back, with even Bolt retweeting the image.
https://twitter.com/McDermie/status/765759788068339713
Oh relax, you politically correct babies. @TheEllenShow wasn't racist. Not everything is racist.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) August 17, 2016
Grow up. https://t.co/n429SdTo3v
The fact that Ellen DeGeneres of all people could be accused of being racist shows how insane this victim culture is https://t.co/YEKQT8ha1u
— On the Right Side (@RightOfCenterUS) August 16, 2016
Really, America?? THIS is what you choose to feel outrage over? https://t.co/VH3p17AuJc via @variety
— Lulu Lefferts (@luleflovestv) August 16, 2016
Tweet from #Ellen with #UsainBolt has everyone upset. Understandable - obviously photoshopped to make her look thin. pic.twitter.com/ftx90qYodN
— Brad Markowitz (@bradmarkowitz) August 16, 2016
DeGeneres has since responded to the criticism with two more tweets.
I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) August 16, 2016
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 (@EllenDeGeneres) August 15, 2016
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