Did Ellen DeGeneres‏ Pull a ‘Weinstein’ on Katy Perry’s Birthday?

Comedian and talk-show host, Ellen DeGeneres is being heavily criticised for her Tweet wishing singer Katy Perry on her birthday.

The tweet, posted on 25 October, reads, “Happy birthday, @KatyPerry! It’s time to bring out the big balloons!” Attached with the tweet is a picture of Ellen ogling at the singer’s breasts.

Happy birthday, @KatyPerry! It’s time to bring out the big balloons! pic.twitter.com/w84DMphK3V

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 25, 2017

Social media opinion remains divided on the subject. In light of the recent events, what is particularly disturbing is the comparison with Harvey Weinstein.

Also Read: New York Opens Sexual Harassment Probe Against Harvey Weinstein

‘Ellen Weinstein’?

The talk-show host is being referred to as ‘Ellen Weinstein’ on Twitter (with the trending hashtag #EllenWeinstein) and is being bashed for her perceived privilege.

"Lesbian Privelage, Ellen Weinstein? But not ok, for a man to do this...THE HYPOCRISY OF THE LIBERAL LEFTIST LUNATICS. pic.twitter.com/loVyjaAJhq

— B. Chappy #Trump2020 (@ChiappiJr) October 26, 2017

Considering the tense climate in Hollywood right now over sexual harassment, this is in really poor taste. #ellenweinstein #tonedeaf

— Bonnie O (@bloc52) October 25, 2017

@TheEllenShow As Katy silently screams #MeToo #ellenweinstein objectifies her in public in a hyper-sexual manner. SHAME ON YOU ELLEN! pic.twitter.com/UA5mephOEH

— Michelle O'Farish (@meshell5683) October 26, 2017

How many celebs will be coming out and saying "i knew she was a predator but i didn't say anything to protect my career"? #ELLENWEINSTEIN

— Melvyn Slagg (@SirMelvynSlagg) October 26, 2017

#ellenweinstein getting a tip from Harvey!https://t.co/DG78sSh5Pj

— Trimble Gator (@trimblegator) October 25, 2017

Also Read: Harvey Weinstein Raped Me After BAFTAs: Natassia Malthe

It's Just a Casual Joke!

Many are, however, defending the remark on the grounds of Ellen and Katy’s friendship.

Not even Ellen can joke around with a friend of hers without being accused of violating the social justice warrior code.

— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) October 26, 2017

If that's a thing that both you and that friend are cool with, and both of you explicitly know that, yes...

— James McBrayer (@McBrayerJames) October 25, 2017

They r friends and are known to joke around like this, very different if ELLEN was her boss

— #fightback (@mercedesv76) October 25, 2017

#ellenweinstein my ass. Theyre FRIENDS. People joke with FRIENDS it's not some creepy person in a position of power coercing you. Christ.

— Haley Leigh (@mundanelyhaley) October 26, 2017

One user even pointed out that the reference in the tweet is to Katy’s song, ‘Birthday’.

How the heck are people getting mad at this. Its a literal reference to Katys own lyrics. Its an innuendo people cmon.

— David #ConMenRDW (@MarioPrtyAnimal) October 26, 2017

Still Not Okay

Even if it is meant as a joke, people believe that the remark is still not okay.

Not appropriate, regardless of gender. I'd be offended if this tweet was about me on my birthday.

— Janet (@janetcwalsh1) October 25, 2017

The photo looks like preliminary to sexual assault. A man would be pilloried for it. But she is also a sexual predator against women.

— Mandy Baldwin (@MandyBaldwin202) October 25, 2017

Right. But if I make this exact post with a woman people will comment under it and tell me I'm sexist.

Inconsistency at its finest.

— read my @ (@ieatbootyholes) October 25, 2017

REALLY ELLEN?? Talk about double standard!! If this was a man making this comment or posting this photo, people would flip shit!! Think before you post!!! #hypocrite #ignorant

— JarrodSH (@JarrodSHagenman) October 25, 2017

Also Read: As Indians, Harvey Should Hardly Come As a Surprise: Richa Chadha

No response from Katy Perry has been received on the issue yet.

Also Read: Lena Headey and Lupita Nyong’o Accuse Harvey of Sexual Harassment

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