As celebrities and citizens pen tributes to the late Martin Luther King Jr., Chelsea Handler added a controversial opinion to the mix.
The comedian took to Twitter on Monday to share her thoughts on the holiday — and the role “white people” play in honoring the civil rights leader.
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“Happy Martin Luther King day to a true hero. This day means more today than it ever has,” Handler began. “We all must honor the spirit of his fairness and equality and tireless search for justice.”
Then, she offered up a less popular opinion of the January holiday.
Happy Martin Luther King day to a true hero. This day means more today than it ever has. We all must honor the spirit of his fairness and equality and tireless search for justice. It is up to white people to honor Dr King, and to think about what it must be like to not be white.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) January 15, 2018
“It is up to white people to honor Dr King, and to think about what it must be like to not be white,” Handler said.
Fans took to the comments to claim sides on the Chelsea Lately host’s post.
Some agreed with her opinion, noting that to achieve racial equality, people must first recognize the inequality that exists.
Thank you @chelseahandler for standing up and being brave when others with a platform won’t. I appreciate you, even when you feel like it’s falling on deaf ears.
— Jessme1021 (@Jessme1021) January 15, 2018
I’m not sure a privileged white person can really imagine what it might be like to be non-white.
— Immoderator© aka Gary 🐶 (@immoderator) January 15, 2018
But it is worth thought…
Others were not so supportive of Handler’s comments and slammed her for misunderstanding the premise of King’s works.
“I have a dream one day that people will not be judged by he color if their skin, but by the content of their character.” When you talk about whiteness, clearly you have failed to see this dream through, Chelsea.
— Joe Marwil (@josephmarwil) January 15, 2018
Or better yet instead of looking at someone’s race look at someone’s behavior.
— Little Alt Man (@DaveCombs72) January 15, 2018
Or not pay attention to the color of one’s skin. Like he actually preached🙄
— NotMichaelCrews (@notMichaelCrews) January 15, 2018
Among the comments were also those who painted Handler’s commentary as insensitive or racist.
You are such an idiot. What “white” people are you talking about? Most of us have mixed ethnic backgrounds these days. So what’s the percentage of and ethnic groups that are included in your description? I wanna see if I need to contemplate what it’s like to “not be white”. pic.twitter.com/yelsDjZKO2
— 💕Caroline💕🕊 (@UrBeautyByCarol) January 15, 2018
Nice ending to that tweet, all you did was go against MLK’s message & race baited, causing people to fight among each other. DON’T EVER assume what my life is like based on my skin color, that IS racist. Based on your tweet, I can tell you don’t want people to get along.
— BelledtheCat🔔 (@Belledthecat) January 15, 2018
Leave it to Chelsea Handler to make a racist remark in a tweet honoring a man who tried to end racism.
— He Who Dares, Wins (@MattRyanForever) January 15, 2018
While Handler’s tribute to King may have missed the mark, several other celebrities, from politicians to athletes and reality personalities, offered up their humble thoughts on the holiday. Read them all here.
