Wendy Williams has finally apologized over this comment where she mimicked a cleft lip while talking about the attractiveness of Joaquin Phoenix:
For a solid 10 seconds she used her finger to mimic a cleft lip while the audience laughed. Imagine how my 5 year old would take it if he saw it? @WendyWilliams
I only speak on it bc I’m personally informed and educated on the topic. #bebetter Do work Twitter pic.twitter.com/whfBbCVZE4
— Matt Groark (@groarkboysbbq) January 8, 2020
Put us down as “today years old” when we found out about all this, via VT.com:
One of Joaquin’s most distinctive facial features is the scar on his upper lip. This is the result of Phoenix being born with a microform cleft, the mildest form of cleft lip. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Phoenix revealed was simply born with the mark, and never underwent surgery.
Leading the charge against Williams was former Canadian football star Adam Bighill:
Former B.C. Lions linebacker Adam Bighill (@Bighill44) is calling out American TV host Wendy Williams after she appeared to mock people with cleft lips on her show.
Bighill spoke to @steeletalk on @CKNW. pic.twitter.com/o2KqOojhyc
— CKNW (@CKNW) January 15, 2020
Adam’s son, Beau, underwent surgery to repair a cleft lip this week:
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
What was Williams even thinking?
I usually like her sass and love these clips. But this is awful. It’s just intentionally mean.
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) January 16, 2020
Williams, as we mentioned earlier, has finally apologized:
. @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
But it did take some time to do so:
Day 3
We are still waiting for a @WendyWilliams apology to the cleft community.Outside of that, seeing everyone come together on social media to rally around her comments and actions has been truly amazing.
It’s clear we are making progress towards being able to #endbullying pic.twitter.com/lIXUa5i1vs
— Adam Bighill (@Bighill44) January 12, 2020
And it’s all good:
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. https://t.co/JmYnRb8C8t
— Adam Bighill (@Bighill44) January 16, 2020
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