Ellen DeGeneres and Kevin Hart are facing fresh criticism after sending messages of support to actor Jussie Smollett, who was the victim of a racist and homophobic assault earlier this week.
Some fans believe the duo's well-wishes reveal a lack of insight, given Hart's historic homophobic comments and Ellen's willingness to forgive him for them on a public platform.
"Four years ago, Jussie Smollett came out on my show," Ellen tweeted yesterday.
"I’m sending him and his family so much love today."
"As much love as you sent Kevin Hart?" Author Roxane Gay quipped in response.
"Really inserting your show here?" video journalist Judah Robinson added. "It’s just sad. What about the guy who joked about beating his kid if they were gay that you forgave for all of us? Jokes like that make this type of violence possible. You’re part of the problem Ellen."
Meanwhile, Hart himself also reached out to Smollett, tweeting: "Sending prayers your way @jussiesmollett… This is unbelievably sad. Why are we going backwards… this is disgusting. We as people have to do better. WTF is going on [in] the world????"
"Keep yo tears n prayers... This is why yo joke was important and such an issue," one follower replied.
"Do you see why the 'jokes' weren’t funny now??" Another wrote.
Hart withdrew from his role as host of the 2019 Oscars late last year, after a number of old comments resurfaced in which he openly joked about how he would beat his son if he showed signs of being effeminate or gay.
Ellen promptly invited Hart onto her talk-show, encouraging members of the LGBTIQ+ community to forgive him and urging the Academy to reinstate Hart's hosting duties.
