Ellen Pompeo Is in a War With Twitter Over the Use of These Emojis

It all started when the Grey’s Anatomy (the family of which continues to grow) star posted a response to Variety’s Tweet about an A&E documentary that has changed its name from Generation KKK to Escaping the KKK: A Documentary Series Exposing Hate in America. Reportedly covering the resurgence of the group, the network’s aim in doing so was to make sure it was seen as the serious subject matter it is, as opposed to say, oh, a reality show.

The change was said to be in large part due to Ellen’s championing to promote the series as such.

Okay if that is what it is PLEASE promote it as such…PLEASE https://t.co/q4j2EWaxyq

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 21, 2016

Ellen responded to the group’s changes positivitely, applauding the network for the changes to the show’s title.

Thank U @aetv for caring enough to make changes 👏🏾👍🏾A&E Changes ‘Generation KKK’ Title | Variety https://t.co/bvwsLCKDZ6

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 23, 2016

There was just one teensy, tiny problem — at least for those that subsequently went crazy on Twitter: her choice of emojis (soon coming to a theatre near you). Using a hands clap and a thumbs up, Ellen made them black: a move that did NOT sit well with many. An uproar quickly ensued, with people accusing the actress of being racist.

This is racist. Whole entire debacle, racist. Ellen Pompeo, racist.

— Negrita (@HustleAndFro_) December 24, 2016

Ellen fought back — hard. Her page was soon filled with replies to those angered by her actions, beginning with this one that casually reminded followers that her husband and children just so happen to be black when one user told her to “SHUP UP, WHITE LADY.”

That's white lady with a black husband and black children to you babe 💋 https://t.co/BTQuSHJ1sr

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 23, 2016

She then reminded them of what they were fighting about (emojis) before opening another can of worms entirely by accusing haters of being reverse-racists. “Ummm I’ve been called a white b*tch and countless other things 5,000 times today, what would you call it?” she said.

What's crazy is how angry everyone is… this is all about emojis people

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 23, 2016

But sad to see racism is still alive and well on all sides

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 23, 2016

This resulted in MANY subsequent wars with users over whether or not the matter of reverse racisim actually exists.

I want to make sure I'm understanding you correctly. @EllenPompeo You are equating being called a white bitch with what I go through daily?

— Monique Judge (@thejournalista) December 24, 2016

Ellen fired back, saying, “I’m not sure why you think I”m comparing us in any way,” also answering @sydneysaige, who told her to “JUST APOLOGIZE AND LOG OFF stop embarrassing and contradicting yourself.”

I'm not embarrassed and I'm not contradicting myself it's a very complex issue and one I care about so …I engage https://t.co/wgr6rIOcB2

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 24, 2016

In fact, Ellen went to bat for more than three hours over the whole ordeal.

YES! Because I care! https://t.co/i3dI4C211u

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 24, 2016

Eventually, she stopped responding directly and peppered her page with Tweets of others defending her and her actions.

@EllenPompeo stands up for human rights all the time,so the fact people are coming at her life is actually really confusing/infuriating

— Mags 🌻 (@maggatha_yo) December 24, 2016

At the end of the day, @beccatilley5 seems to sum it up best with the following, however.

@EllenPompeo listen Ellen, if I've learned one thing it's that you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. ☝🏼️☝️☝🏽☝🏾☝🏿

— Becca Tilley (@beccatilley5) December 24, 2016

Ay yi yi!

Do you think Ellen’s emojis were offensive? Tell us over @BritandCo.

(h/t E!, photos via Mark Davis + Kevin Winter/Getty)