Jamie Foxx Defends Jimmy Fallon Over Chris Rock Impression -- 'It Wasn't Black Face'
By Mike Walters on May 27, 2020 at 11:53 AM EDT
Gettyimages | KMazur
Jamie Foxx has just come to the defense of 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon after a clip resurfaced of the comedian doing an impression of Chris Rock on 'SNL.'
The talk show host came under fire after footage of a 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Fallon in blackface resurfaced online -- sparking calls for the host to be 'canceled.'
Fallon apologized for taking part in the sketch, saying "In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this. I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable."
But, Jaime Foxx has now come to his defense.
See His Statement...
Gettyimages | NBC
"He was doing an impression of Chris Rock. It wasn't black face," Jamie Foxx said in a comment left on an E! News Instagram post about the story.
He continued, "We comedian I know it's a tough time right now. But this one is a stretch. On a show called in living color we played every race."
Jaime Foxx concluded the public should "Let this one go" adding, "We got bigger fish to fry ... #changecourse."
Gettyimages | NBC
The video itself sparked debate online including #JimmyFallonIsOverParty starting to trend on Twitter, and others pointing out other comedians who have done similar sketches.
Several people online included videos of the other late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel doing an impression of an NBA player -- while wearing dark makeup.
This isn't the first time the two talk show hosts have been blasted for the videos, in February 2019, Nick Cannon wrote on Instagram, “Are these your Kings of Late Night???” alongside a video compilation of both videos.
He continued, “You know I’m always on the side of the comedian and never pander to the sensitive, but I feel there needs to be some ‘truth & reconciliation’ discussions and teachable moments amongst our communities. I’m ready and willing for the discourse … In the meantime, I’ll just leave this right here. Tell the Jimmys to holla at me!”
In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this.
I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.
— Fallon.eth (@jimmyfallon) May 26, 2020