Wendy Williams Apologizes For Joaquin Phoenix ‘Cleft Lip’ Comments
During Wendy Williams’ January 7 show where she discussed the Golden Globes, Williams told her show’s audience that she finds Joaquin Phoenix — who won the best actor Golden Globe for his “Joker” performance “oddly attractive.” She explained,
“When he shaves off his mustache, he’s got a hairline fracture,” Williams said. “He’s got one of those, what do you call it, cleft lip, cleft palate.”
From there, Williams pulled her top lip up over her teeth to demonstrate the look of a cleft and her fans weren’t so happy about that.
Many people criticized the host for her comment and demonstration including Canadian football player Adam Bighill who repeatedly called for Williams to apologize. He even tweeted a picture of his son who appears to be going into surgery for his condition. The caption top the picture read,
“Today is Beau’s big day. He is getting his lip repaired today in Winnipeg by the fantastic Dr. Ross,” Bighill wrote. “Thanks to everyone who has reached out, and in advance, thanks for any of your well wishes for Beau. He is so loved!”
Wendy responded back with love and an apology;
“@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.”
Bighill responded, tweeting,
“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.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both a cleft lip and a cleft palate “are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. Together, these birth defects commonly are called ‘orofacial clefts,” CNN quotes.
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