STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Wendy Williams Slammed for Comments on Jesse Williams, HBCUs and the NAACP

Did she go too far?

She's known for "saying it like she means it," but that mantra seemed to upset some of her "co-hosts" as Wendy Williams made some comments about Jesse Williams and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that left a sour taste in her viewers' mouths.

While speaking on the recent petition currently circulated to get Jesse fired from Grey's Anatomy, the talk show host explained that she saw both sides of the story. Referencing his moving pro-Black speech at the 2016 BET Awards, she said his words were appropriate for the occasion and network, but can see how certain pro-Black institutions may be considered offensive.

"I must say to you, he was on BET. His speech was very poignant," she said. "On the other hand, I would be really offended if there was a school that was known as a historically white college. We have historically Black colleges. What if there was the National Organization for White People, only? There's the NAACP."

When her usually loyal studio audience sat there in dead silence, she added, laughing, "Look, everybody's quiet. You're leaving me out here to dry by myself? One wrong word — I'm choosing my words carefully, but what I am saying is racism s**ks and we can all do better in our household, educating ourselves and teaching our children to make it better."

Revisiting the topic of HBCUs, she said, "National speeches like this will always rub people the wrong way just like white people will be offended because Spelman College is a historically Black college for women. You might feel funny about that. I know I'd feel funny, like I just told you. If there was a white college or whatever."

Some of her loyal at-home viewers, many being HBCU alum, ripped her to shreds on social media after watching the segment:

Recap another moment when the talk show host got dragged by social media in the BET Breaks video, above.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.