Fans Demand Apology From Wendy Williams After She Mocks Joaquin Phoenix's Cleft Palate

Gettyimages | Santiago Felipe

Gettyimages | Kevin Mazur

Joaquin Phoenix is the toast of Hollywood this year, winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama for his performance in 2019's Joker. Phoenix also picked up a Best Actor Academy Award nomination -- one of Joker's 11 nominations -- and is one of the frontrunners to win.

Phoenix made headlines after his eccentric yet heartfelt Globes speech as well, encouraging his fellow actors to be better.

"Hopefully, we can be unified and actually make some changes. It's great to vote, but sometimes we have to take that responsibility on ourselves and make changes and sacrifices in our own lives ... we don't have to take private jets to Palm Springs for the awards."

While Phoenix may be appealing to people's better natures, Wendy Williams is once again trying to drag down the conversation. The talk show host is in hot water after she made an insensitive remark and gesture regarding Phoenix's cleft palate. While she was discussing Phoenix's appearance on her show, she said:

"When he shaves off his mustache he’s got a hairline fracture. He’s got one of those — what do you call it? Cleft lip, cleft palate."

She then used her finger as a hook to pull up her lip for about 10 seconds. While she calls him attractive, it is incredibly cringe.

People on Twitter are calling out Williams for her remarks, especially people in the cleft community.

"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"

"This needs a RT!!! ??? @WendyWilliams mimics a cleft lip and palate person!! I have a cleft lip and palate, so does my son who was just born, her actions are hideous and OFFENSIVE. Promoting bullying, with her platform, that’s IRRESPONSIBLE!! #EndBullying"

""As Ambassador for Cleft Lip and Palate Association @CLAPACOMMUNITY I really am disgusted by this @wendywilliams. Mimicing a cleft lip, and making a joke about it, is disgraceful. Have you any idea the pain and operations a child with cleft must go through as they grow?"

People are also calling for Williams to apologize, which doesn't seem like a crazy request considering the cruelty of the incident.

"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"

It is lovely to see people come together and promote kindness, but come on, Wendy. It's time to apologize.