A picture of Ellen DeGeneres sitting next to George W. Bush at a Dallas Cowboy’s game this past weekend caused quite a stir on social media. Some heavily criticized it, while others applauded them for appearing together.
https://twitter.com/Matthew_Oooo/status/1181026233703915520
The talk show host says she was invited by Dallas owner Jerry Jones’ daughter to sit in their skybox. Time magazine writes:
DeGeneres faced criticism on Twitter after cameras showed her laughing next to the former Republican President during Sunday’s broadcast of the game. Some argued it was hypocritical for DeGeneres, an out gay woman who has supported liberal causes, to socialize with the former Republican President whose record includes the Iraq War and opposition to gay marriage.
But on her show, DeGeneres explained:
“I’m friends with George Bush… In fact, I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. We’re all different and I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s okay.”
Her explanation drew mixed reactions.
https://twitter.com/shaunking/status/1181523528669110272
Just looking at @TheEllenShow 's twitter feed. It appears that she is a way better person than most of those commenting. Again..
"I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend." – Thomas Jefferson— Matthew Marsden (@matthewdmarsden) October 8, 2019
listen up wokesters: say what you will about ellen, but i’ve had ENOUGH of this cancel culture that goes after decent men like george w. bush just because they launched an illegal war, drowned a city, and brought the world to the brink of a second great depression.
— b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) October 8, 2019
And some people are also pointing out that Michelle Obama and other Democrats have also noted their friendship with GWB, without the same type of backlash.
Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are friends. Michelle Obama and George W. Bush are friends. Hillary and Laura Bush are friends. Ellen is an entertainer, but she’s being held to a higher standard than Clinton and Obama?? Because she’s GAY? Now, that’s discrimination.? pic.twitter.com/6wr6dcGoFn
— Jen S (@jaaupp) October 8, 2019