TORRENT OF ABUSE
Roseanne Barr retweets dozens of racist memes and messages as social media meltdown continues despite bizarre apology for Obama aide race row
ROSEANNE Barr has re-tweeted dozens of racist memes despite trying to apologise for her vile outburst about an Obama aide by claiming "I thought she was white".
The TV star’s Twitter meltdown intensified today as she faced a backlash for her racist comments about political advisor Valerie Jarrett – which she tried to blame on sleeping tablets.
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She had earlier tweeted that Jarrett looked like the lovechild of the "Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes.
Barr's now-deleted tweet read: "Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj."
But in a later post by Roseanne said: "I mistakenly thought she [Jarrett] was white. I honestly thought she was Jewish and Persian".
She also re-tweeted a large number of racist comments that attempted to defend her comments including one which tried to justify Barr's comparison of Jarrett to an ape.
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Another questioned why some people thought it was acceptable to compare US President Donald Trump to an ape but not Jarrett.
During her latest outburst, the 65-year-old also managed to take pot shots at some of her co-stars.
Sara Gilbert, who played her on-screen daughter, had tweeted: “Roseanne’s recent comments ... and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show.
"I am disappointed in her actions to say the least.”
Barr replied simply: “Wow! unreal.”
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She also took aim at Michael Fishman, who has played her on-screen son since the show’s start in 1988.
Fishman wrote: “Today is one of the hardest days of my life. I feel devastated, not for the end of the Roseanne show, but for all those who poured their hearts and souls into our jobs, and the audience who welcomed us into their homes.
“Our cast, crew, writers, and production staff strives for inclusiveness, with numerous storylines designed to reflect inclusiveness.”
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Barr took exception to that and replied: “I created the platform for that inclusivity and you know it. ME. You throw me under the bus. Nice!”
ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey - whose channel was due to air the new show - distanced himself from Barr's comments and cancelled the show after just one month on air.
Jarrett, who is an African-American born in Iran, had advised Barack and Michelle Obama.
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She appeared to implicate President Donald Trump over Barr's tweets, telling MSNBC that "tone does start at the top".
She said: “We like to look up to our president and feel as though he reflects the values of our country, but I also think every individual citizen has a responsibility, too.
"And it’s up to all of us to push back. Our government is only going to be as good as we make it.”
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Roseanne also tweeted to Jarrett to apologise.
She said: "I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans.
"I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks.
"I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste."
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Barr has also been dropped by her agency ICM Partners, according to
When a Twitter user told Barr her tweet was offensive and racist, Barr responded by writing: “Muslims r NOT a race.”
Shortly after, Barr repeated her stance, tweeting: “ISLAM is not a RACE, lefties. Islam includes EVERY RACE of people.”
The rebooted sitcom premiered in April garnering high ratings, attracting over 18 million viewers.
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It was particularly popular among many conservative viewers because Barr's character expressed support for Trump.The revival dealt with politics, topical issues such as opioid addiction ravaging American communities, and access to healthcare, and features Roseanne's grown-up daughter Darlene whose young son is gender fluid.
Roseanne had been the latest hit show from the 1980s and 1990s to be revived.
It followed NBC comedy Will & Grace and Showtime's supernatural crime drama Twin Peaks, both of which returned to television in 2017.
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