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.”
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning journalism this Passover.
In this age of misinformation, our work is needed like never before. We report on the news that matters most to American Jews, driven by truth, not ideology.
At a time when newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall. That means for the first time in our 126-year history, Forward journalism is free to everyone, everywhere. With an ongoing war, rising antisemitism, and a flood of disinformation that may affect the upcoming election, we believe that free and open access to Jewish journalism is imperative.
Readers like you make it all possible. Right now, we’re in the middle of our Passover Pledge Drive and we still need 300 people to step up and make a gift to sustain our trustworthy, independent journalism.
Make a gift of any size and become a Forward member today. You’ll support our mission to tell the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
Only 300 more gifts needed by April 30
