Ellen Defends Her Controversial Usain Bolt Meme: I Am the Furthest Thing From Racist

Ellen DeGeneres has responded to the firestorm over a meme she posted depicting her riding on the back of the world's fastest man — Usain Bolt.

This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016

The TV talk show host posted the meme after a photo of Bolt appeared to show him smiling as he ran past his competition on the way to win gold in the men's 200-meter dash Sunday in Rio.

Some critics on social media were outraged and called the meme racist.

Read: Michael Phelps to Retire From Competitive Swimming After Rio Olympics: 'This Is It'

“You thought it'd be funny to post a pic of yourself riding on the back of a black man? Nope,” was one reaction.

After the backlash, she tweeted: “I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.”

I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 16, 2016

Read: Photo Finish! Runner Dives Head-First Across Finish Line to Take Olympic Gold

The Ellen picture is culturally insensitive & could be offensive. I find it offensive.

— Document Thief. (@seabethree) August 16, 2016

Racist or not Ellen's joke was in poor taste . I don't look at it as cute or funny .. Too much in our history to think this is cute / funny.

— Jeannie (JEH-nee)❣ (@JenLaPrincesse) August 16, 2016

The Jamaican runner found the meme funny and not mean-spirited. He retweeted it to his followers right after Ellen initially posted it on Sunday.

Watch: Ryan Lochte, 3 Other U.S. Swimmers Robbed at Gunpoint While Traveling to Olympic Village in Rio