Amy Schumer Hits Back on Racism Claim: ‘You Got the Wrong Jew’
By Josefin Dolsten September 29, 2016
(JTA) — Amy Schumer deflected charges of racism by saying, “you got the wrong Jew.”
The comedian’s comments came in response to criticism that has dogged her since she tweeted a controversial message and participated in a widely criticized interview with “Girls” creator Lena Dunham.
“I think we all have room to learn,” Schumer told Bravo host Andy Cohen on Monday. “I can’t think of anybody I’m racist against. When I get accused of that, I’m just like, you got the wrong Jew. You’re barking up the wrong Jew.”
Earlier this month, Schumer wrote a (swiftly deleted) implying that men of color were more likely to catcall women on the street. Her comment came the same day she and Dunham drew criticism for an interview that some said contained racist undertones.
In the interview, published in Dunham’s newsletter, “Lenny,” Dunham told Schumer about her experience sitting next to African- American football player Odell Beckham Jr. at the Met Gala, and accused him of ignoring her due to her looks.
Dunham also said she wanted to “grind my ass on” African-American actor Michael B. Jordan.
Dunham later apologized for the comments, which were criticized for being unfairly harsh and being tinged with racism.
On Monday, Schumer came to Dunham’s defense.
“I think people definitely target Lena,” Schumer said. “I think everybody has room to learn more about other cultures and races and what’s offensive and what’s not. I spoke up a little bit because I want to get my girl’s back. I love Lena. I know she has the best intentions.”
A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.
Readers like you make it all possible. We’ve started our Passover Fundraising Drive, and we need 1,800 readers like you to step up to support the Forward by April 21. Members of the Forward board are even matching the first 1,000 gifts, up to $70,000.
This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism, because every dollar goes twice as far.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
