Those who were offended by the so-called "racist rant" have created a petition calling for the actor's dismissal from the show, and so far, it has more than 16,000 signatures.
“Jesse Williams spewed a racist, hate speech against law enforcement and white people at the BET awards. If this was a white person making the same speech about an African American, they would have been fired and globally chastised, as they should be, but there has been no consequences to Williams’ actions,” the petition reads.
>> BET Awards: Jesse Williams delivers impassioned speech on race in America
In a defiant twist, another petition was filed that supports Williams and calls him, "a brave leader." That petition currently has more than 25,000 signatures.
“Jesse Williams is a bright man, passionate spokesman and a committed advocate of black people and #BlackLivesMatter who took a public stand on BET Awards show, risking his job and career for his beliefs,” the supportive petition explains.
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes also had something to say about the petition calling for Williams to be fired.
On Monday, she took to Twitter to express her feelings, writing, “um, people? Boo don’t need a petition. #shondalandrules.”
Mic drop.
Fans of Shondaland applauded “the boss” and showed their appreciation on social media.
(h/t Cosmopolitan)
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