As the picture began making the rounds on social media, Twitter soon erupted with memes.
Bolt’s mid-race smile is new template for internet memes
https://twitter.com/sporker_/status/764991901535797249
On Monday, Ellen DeGeneres also posted her own meme of her riding the back of the gold medalist.
https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow/status/765303894159208448
However, what was meant as a joke soon backfired as many considered the image to be racist and insensitive.
https://twitter.com/MiQL/status/765336547273027584
https://twitter.com/MiQL/status/765343332738273280
https://twitter.com/MikeAllen_47/status/765332700194443264
https://twitter.com/Br_mabe/status/765612537765367808
In pictures: Bolt makes Olympic history with 100-metre triumph
There were many, however, who had the comedian’s back, with even Bolt retweeting the image.
https://twitter.com/McDermie/status/765759788068339713
https://twitter.com/WalshFreedom/status/765708818550558725
https://twitter.com/BornToBeGOP/status/765687016386338816
https://twitter.com/LuluLefferts/status/765682948087488512
https://twitter.com/bradmarkowitz/status/765595894817263616
DeGeneres has since responded to the criticism with two more tweets.
https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow/status/765576291160580096
