Celebs Who Faced Backlash for Comments on Race in Entertainment

Navigating the spotlight often means that every word a celebrity speaks is analyzed and critiqued by the public. Discussions surrounding race and representation are particularly sensitive and have led to significant controversies when famous figures miss the mark. Many stars have found themselves in hot water after making statements that were perceived as insensitive or offensive. The following individuals faced considerable public scrutiny and professional consequences for their remarks regarding race.

Liam Neeson

The acclaimed actor sparked a massive outcry during an interview to promote the film ‘Cold Pursuit’. He recounted a past incident where he roamed the streets hoping to kill a black man after a friend was raped. Neeson stated he carried a weapon for a week while looking for a “black bastard” to provoke a fight. The admission resulted in the cancellation of the film’s red carpet premiere and intense media debate. He later apologized and insisted he is not racist but was purging primal anger.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon faced criticism during the premiere of the reality show ‘Project Greenlight’. He interrupted producer Effie Brown when she raised concerns about diversity in the directing team. Damon suggested that diversity should be handled in the casting of the film rather than behind the camera. Social media users immediately accused him of whitesplaining the issue to a black woman. The actor later issued an apology acknowledging his poor choice of words.

Gina Rodriguez

This television star has faced repeated accusations of anti-blackness throughout her career. The backlash peaked when she posted an Instagram video of herself singing along to a Fugees song. She recited the N-word during the verse and laughed before eventually deleting the clip. Rodriguez issued an initial apology that many deemed insincere before releasing a longer statement. She claimed her longtime exposure to the song made her forget the weight of the slur.

Sharon Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne left her position on ‘The Talk’ following a heated on-air exchange about race. She defended Piers Morgan after he was criticized for his comments about Meghan Markle. Osbourne demanded her co-host Sheryl Underwood educate her on how Morgan’s behavior was racist. The confrontation led to an internal investigation by the network regarding a toxic work environment. Osbourne ultimately departed the show and claimed she was blindsided by the questions.

Roseanne Barr

The revival of the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ was abruptly cancelled after the lead actress posted a racist tweet. Barr compared former Obama administration advisor Valerie Jarrett to an ape in a late-night social media rant. The network condemned the statement as abhorrent and inconsistent with their values. Barr attempted to blame the incident on the sleep aid Ambien. The show was eventually retooled as ‘The Conners’ without her involvement.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson has faced multiple career setbacks due to recordings of him using racial slurs. During a DUI arrest he made anti-Semitic remarks that alienated him from Hollywood for years. Later tapes surfaced of him using the N-word during an argument with his ex-girlfriend. He has since worked to rebuild his career but the comments remain a permanent stain on his reputation. Industry peers continue to be divided on whether he deserves redemption.

Michael Richards

The actor best known as Kramer on ‘Seinfeld’ destroyed his stand-up career during a set at the Laugh Factory. He launched into a racial tirade against black hecklers in the audience. Richards repeatedly shouted the N-word and made references to lynching while on stage. He appeared on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ to apologize but the damage was irreversible. He has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the incident occurred.

Paula Deen

The celebrity chef saw her culinary empire crumble after a discrimination lawsuit deposition was made public. Deen admitted to using the N-word in the past and discussed planning a plantation-style wedding with black servers. The Food Network declined to renew her contract following the revelations. Major sponsors including Walmart and Target also severed ties with her brand. She has since attempted to make a comeback through her own digital networks.

Hulk Hogan

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan was scrubbed from WWE history temporarily after a private audio recording was leaked. The tape featured him using racial slurs while expressing disgust over his daughter dating a black man. He was fired from the organization and removed from the Hall of Fame website. Hogan apologized for the offensive language and asked for forgiveness from his fans. He was eventually reinstated into the WWE fold several years later.

Camila Cabello

Pop star Camila Cabello faced a reckoning when old Tumblr posts resurfaced from her teenage years. The posts contained racist memes and derogatory language using the N-word. She issued a lengthy apology on social media stating she was uneducated and ignorant at the time. Cabello emphasized that those early mistakes did not represent her current values as an adult. The controversy sparked a wider conversation about accountability for past internet behavior.

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey ignited a firestorm with an Instagram letter dubbed “Question for the Culture”. She compared her reception in the music industry to that of artists like Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. Critics noted that she specifically targeted women of color while claiming she was treated worse for being “delicate”. She denied the accusations of racism and argued she was critiquing the double standards of feminism. The incident remains a polarizing topic among her fanbase.

Awkwafina

The actress faced criticism for years regarding her use of a “blaccent” and African American Vernacular English in her early career. Critics accused her of appropriating black culture to gain fame before pivoting to more serious roles. She addressed the controversy in a Twitter statement acknowledging the sociopolitical history of AAVE. However, many felt her response lacked a direct apology for her specific actions. She subsequently left the social media platform following the backlash.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus drew criticism for comments she made about hip hop culture in a Billboard interview. She stated she was distancing herself from the genre because she disliked the lyrics about materialism and sex. Critics pointed out that she had profited from that exact culture during her ‘Bangerz’ era. Many viewed her pivot back to country music as using hip hop as a costume she could discard. Cyrus later clarified she respects all genres but stood by her artistic evolution.

Stacey Dash

Former ‘Clueless’ star Stacey Dash faced heavy backlash for her comments on Fox News regarding the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. She called for the elimination of channels like BET and celebrating Black History Month. Dash argued that these institutions promoted segregation rather than inclusion. Her comments were widely condemned by entertainment figures and the general public. She was eventually let go from her role as a contributor at the network.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné caused a stir on ‘The View’ during a segment discussing workplace discrimination based on names. She stated she would not hire someone with a name like “Watermelondrea”. The comment was immediately met with shock from her co-hosts and the audience. She later issued a clarification that her comments were in poor taste and did not reflect her true leadership style. The incident is often cited in discussions about respectability politics.

Ye

Kanye West has faced repeated backlash for his erratic and offensive comments regarding race. During a visit to the TMZ newsroom he famously suggested that 400 years of slavery sounded like a “choice”. He faced further condemnation for wearing “White Lives Matter” shirts and making anti-Semitic statements. These actions led to the termination of his lucrative partnership with Adidas. His rhetoric has alienated many former fans and industry collaborators.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg was suspended from ‘The View’ for two weeks after comments she made about the Holocaust. She stated on air that the Holocaust was “not about race” but rather about “man’s inhumanity to man”. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League immediately corrected her by explaining the Nazi ideology was rooted in racial purity. Goldberg apologized on the next show and expressed regret for the hurt she caused. The incident sparked a debate about the definition of racism and antisemitism.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon was fired by ViacomCBS after making anti-Semitic comments on his podcast ‘Cannon’s Class’. He discussed conspiracy theories regarding Jewish people and their control over the media. He also made arguments claiming black people are the “true Hebrews”. Cannon eventually apologized to the Jewish community and met with rabbis to learn more. He was later rehired to host ‘Wild ‘n Out’ after demonstrating a commitment to education.

Bill Maher

Comedian Bill Maher sparked outrage during a live interview with Senator Ben Sasse on his HBO show. When Sasse jokingly invited him to work in the fields, Maher replied with a phrase identifying himself as a “house n-word”. The audience groaned and the internet immediately called for his firing. Maher apologized the following day stating he slept badly knowing he had used the slur. HBO called the comment inexcusable but allowed him to keep his show.

Kelly Osbourne

While attempting to criticize Donald Trump’s stance on immigration, Kelly Osbourne made a comment that backfired spectacularly. She asked on ‘The View’ who would be cleaning toilets if Latinos were kicked out of the country. Her co-host Rosie Perez immediately checked her on the stereotype. Osbourne tried to backtrack and claimed she was making a point about labor reliance. She later apologized for her poor choice of words but insisted she is not racist.

Giuliana Rancic

E! News host Giuliana Rancic faced severe backlash for comments made about Zendaya’s hair at the Oscars. Rancic joked that the actress’s dreadlocks looked like they smelled of “patchouli oil or weed”. Zendaya responded with a thoughtful statement calling the comments ignorant and disrespectful. The incident led to the departure of co-host Kelly Osbourne who was uncomfortable with the segment. Rancic apologized on air and admitted she crossed the line.

Terry Crews

Actor Terry Crews faced criticism for a series of tweets regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. He warned that the movement could morph into “black supremacy” if not handled correctly. His comments were rebuked by many co-stars and activists who felt he was undermining the cause. Crews doubled down on his stance initially before eventually offering apologies for the phrasing. He maintained that his intention was to promote unity rather than division.

Lil Wayne

Rapper Lil Wayne confused many fans during an interview on ‘Nightline’ when asked about Black Lives Matter. He stated he did not feel connected to the movement because he was a rich black man. He argued that his success proved that racism was not a limiting factor in America. The clips went viral and led to accusations that he was out of touch with reality. He later claimed he was agitated by the reporter’s questions.

Morgan Wallen

Country star Morgan Wallen was suspended by his label after a video surfaced of him using the N-word. The footage showed him yelling the slur playfully to a friend outside his home. Radio stations pulled his music and he was disqualified from several award shows. Wallen issued a video apology asking fans not to defend his actions. despite the controversy his album sales surged in the weeks following the incident.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton faced backlash for her casting as the Ancient One in ‘Doctor Strange’, a character originally Tibetan in the comics. In an attempt to understand the criticism, she released a private email exchange with comedian Margaret Cho. Cho felt the interaction made her feel like a “house Asian” serving Swinton’s guilt. Critics argued Swinton used Cho to validate her casting rather than listening to the community. Swinton insisted she meant no harm and wanted to bridge the gap.

Ridley Scott

Director Ridley Scott defended the casting of white actors in key Egyptian roles for his film ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’. He stated that he could not mount a film of that budget if the lead actor was “Mohammad so-and-so”. The comments were viewed as dismissive of minority actors and their box office viability. Critics pointed out that the industry creates these barriers by not investing in diverse talent. The film faced boycott calls and underperformed domestically.

Benedict Cumberbatch

While discussing the need for more opportunities for black actors in the UK, Benedict Cumberbatch used an outdated term. He referred to “colored actors” during an interview on PBS. The use of the archaic phrase drew immediate criticism from anti-racism groups. Cumberbatch issued a swift apology calling himself an idiot for using the terminology. He emphasized that his intention was to support diversity despite the clumsy phrasing.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen found himself in trouble during a panel discussion for the film ‘Green Book’. While explaining how times have changed, he used the N-word in full to illustrate what people no longer say. Although he was not using the word as a slur against anyone, the usage was deemed unnecessary and offensive. His co-star Mahershala Ali released a statement accepting his apology but noting the word is never appropriate for a white man to use. Mortensen promised to never use the word again in any context.

John Mayer

Singer John Mayer gave a disastrous interview to Playboy in 2010 that nearly ended his career. He used the N-word while describing his “hood pass” and made sexually racially charged comments about black women. He described his penis as a “white supremacist” in a metaphor that disgusted many readers. Mayer broke down in tears during a concert shortly after the interview was published. He took a long hiatus from the public eye to rehabilitate his image.

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams frequently courted controversy, but her comments about the NAACP and HBCUs drew significant ire. She questioned the need for historically black colleges and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She argued that there would be outrage if there was a “white people” equivalent of these institutions. Following the backlash she lost a sponsorship deal with Chevrolet. Williams later apologized and invited guests to educate her audience on the topic.

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani faced renewed accusations of cultural appropriation following an interview with Allure magazine. When asked about her Harajuku Lovers era she stated “My God, I’m Japanese and I didn’t know it.” The comment was criticized for trivializing her ability to borrow from a culture without facing its challenges. Critics argued she was commodifying Asian identity for her brand. Stefani defended herself by claiming she was simply a “super fan” of the culture.

Megyn Kelly

Former NBC host Megyn Kelly was fired from her morning show after defending blackface Halloween costumes. During a roundtable discussion she questioned why it was racist for a white person to darken their skin for a costume. She cited a ‘Real Housewives’ star engaging in the practice as an example of it being acceptable. Her colleagues on the network condemned the comments on air the following day. Kelly apologized but negotiated her exit from the network shortly after.

Richard Dreyfuss

Actor Richard Dreyfuss sparked controversy with his comments regarding the Academy’s new diversity inclusion standards. He told ‘Firing Line’ that the new rules made him “vomit” and that art should not be legislated. He defended Laurence Olivier playing Othello in blackface as an example of acting excellence. His remarks were widely criticized as being out of touch with modern industry standards. Dreyfuss maintained that an actor should be allowed to play any role regardless of identity.

Shane Gillis

Comedian Shane Gillis was fired from ‘Saturday Night Live’ just days after being announced as a cast member. Clips from his podcast resurfaced where he used racial slurs against Asians and mocked Chinese accents. He also used homophobic language in other segments of the show. Gillis initially issued a statement that was perceived as a “non-apology” by saying he was a comedian pushing boundaries. He has since rebuilt his career independently and even returned to host SNL.

Justin Bieber

In his younger years, Justin Bieber was caught on video telling a racist joke that used the N-word as the punchline. Another video surfaced of him changing the lyrics of his song “One Less Lonely Girl” to include a racial slur. The videos were filmed when he was a teenager but released years later. Bieber apologized for his “childish and inexcusable” mistakes. He has since become vocal about racial justice and attributes his past behavior to ignorance.

Chet Hanks

The son of Tom Hanks has faced repeated backlash for his use of Jamaican Patois and Caribbean accents. He declared a “White Boy Summer” and frequently adopted the dialect in videos posted to social media. Critics accused him of cultural appropriation and treating the dialect as a joke. He also faced criticism for defending his use of the N-word in the past. Hanks has largely dismissed the criticism and continues to post similar content.

Michelle Rodriguez

Actress Michelle Rodriguez faced backlash after TMZ asked her about rumors of her playing Green Lantern. She responded by saying that minorities should stop stealing “white people’s superheroes” and make their own. The comment was interpreted as opposing diversity in comic book adaptations. She posted a Facebook video clarifying that she meant writers should be more creative rather than lazy with casting. Rodriguez apologized if her words came across as rude.

Stephen A. Smith

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith faced criticism for his comments about baseball star Shohei Ohtani. He argued that Ohtani could not be the face of baseball because he used an interpreter. Smith suggested that a non-English speaker harms the marketability of the sport in the United States. He was accused of xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment by colleagues and viewers. Smith issued a formal apology stating he screwed up and misunderstood the impact of his words.

Rosanna Arquette

Actress Rosanna Arquette sparked confusion and backlash with a tweet about her privilege. She wrote that she felt “so much shame” for being born white and privileged. She added that she felt disgusted by what she was. Many users felt the tweet was performative and centered her feelings rather than addressing systemic issues. The FBI eventually advised her to lock her account due to the volume of threats she received.

Share your thoughts on which of these controversies had the biggest impact on the industry in the comments.