Omama Altaleb, Special to wtop.com
WASHINGTON — TV comedian Stephen Colbert is facing heat after tweeting a satirical joke referring to the Washington Redskins name on Wednesday’s
Posted Thursday from the official account, the tweet said, “I am willing to show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever.”
The tweet drew from Colbert’s own comments during his satire news show.
The tweet was removed shortly after its post because of an outcry from the account’s more than one million followers.
The tweet was in response to an about launching a charity called “Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation.” On the show, Colbert joked about the charity’s name saying it’s a public relations move to lessen the controversy surrounding the Redskins name.
The purpose is to “provide resources that offer genuine opportunities for Tribal communities,” reports.
Although the original tweet was removed Thursday, The Colbert Report account responded later in the day:
For the record is not controlled by Stephen Colbert or his show. He is Sorry for the confusion
— The Colbert Report (@ColbertReport)
Less than an hour later, the account posted a tweet clarifying who operates the verified Twitter account:
This is a Comedy Central account, with no oversight from Stephen/show. Here is quoted line in context
— The Colbert Report (@ColbertReport)
The hashtag is still trending on the social media site.
The official Colbert account tweeted Friday:
– I agree! Just saw tweet. I share your rage.
Who is that, though? I'm
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome)
But it looks like it’s going to take a little more than two tweets to cancel the hashtag.
White people–please keep trending until there's an apology. This is NOT the burden of people of color. Fix it. Do something.
— Suey Park (@suey_park)
Although some people would rather have stay home by cancelling his show, others say the tweet wasn’t offensive.
people have a right to be offended but to for a tweet is ridiculous. If it's that easy, why is still on the air?
— Stonermc (@stonermc)
– created by people that don't watch Colbert to begin with.
— Anomaly (@Anomaly100)
I think being offended is becoming a new national sport
— The West Wing (@thewestwingTV)
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