TV Host Wendy Williams Apologises For Mocking Joaquin Phoenix's Facial Scar
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US TV host Wendy Williams has apologised over remarks she made about Joaquin Phoenix's facial scar.
On her show, she described the 45-year-old actor - who has recently been nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Joker - as 'oddly attractive' before moving on to his 'hairline fracture'.
She said: "He's got one of those, what do you call it? Cleft lip, cleft palate."
Holding up her top lip with her finger, she added: "I find it to be very attractive."
But while she may find Phoenix to be very attractive, lots of people found her mimicking to be pretty disgusting. Canadian American football player Adam Bighill - who was born with a cleft lip and whose son, Beau, was also born with one too - was among those to condemn Williams, describing her behaviour as 'hideous and offensive'.
This is @WendyWilliams making fun of the cleft community on her TV show.
Are you kidding me??? We all have a responsibility to #EndBullying
With her platform, like myself, we have a much higher responsibility when it comes to our actions. This is just terrible. pic.twitter.com/JrlS0RJs5D
- Adam Bighill (@Bighill44) January 10, 2020
Today is Beau's big day. He is getting his lip repaired today in Winnipeg by the fantastic Dr. Ross. Thanks to everyone who has reached out, and in advance, thanks for any of your well wishes for Beau. He is so loved! #cleftstrong #1in700 #cleftcutie pic.twitter.com/n3MxaLvl5f
- Adam Bighill (@Bighill44) January 15, 2020
A cleft and palate is a facial birth defect which occurs when parts of the face do not join together properly during development in the womb and it can lead to feeding, hearing, dental and speech problems.
Williams has now apologised for her remarks - almost 10 days later - and said her show would be donating to cleft palate charities.
. @Bighill44 We're thinking about Beau today as he is in surgery. I want to apologize to the cleft community and in Beau's honor, our show is donating to @operationsmile and @AmerCleftPalate and encourage our Wendy Watchers to learn more and help support the cleft community.
- Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) January 16, 2020
Bighill has since accepted Williams' belated apology.
In a tweet, he said: "Thank you @WendyWilliams for your apology, your donation, and for thinking of Beau today for his surgery. I forgive you, and I encourage others to as well. I wish you all the best."
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/The Wendy Williams Show
Topics: TV and Film, Joaquin Phoenix, Celebrity, US Entertainment
