Twitter Backlash When Nancy Lee Grahn Undermines Viola Davis’ Acceptance Speech

The Emmys last night honoured Viola Davis as Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. As the first black woman awarded such, Viola invoked Harriet Tubman and the few opportunities for black women in Hollywood. Her moving acceptance speech brought the audience to tears:

“’In my mind, I see a line. And over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me, over that line. But I can’t seem to get there no how. I can’t seem to get over that line.
“That was Harriet Tubman in the 1800s. And let me tell you something: The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there. So here’s to all the writers, the awesome people that are Ben Sherwood, Paul Lee, Peter Nowalk, Shonda Rhimes, people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black.”

Many celebrities expressed support for her message. But General Hospital actress Nancy Lee Grahn put her foot in her mouth:

Of course, Nancy can express her opinion. But she seems to discredit the notion of black women not getting equal opportunities for lead roles. Worse, she said that Viola Davis has never been discriminated against. Her stance is similar to those who react to the #BlackLivesMatter with #AllLivesMatter:

Nancy seems incredulous at the backlash and continuously apologised. Her defence is that she was brought up not to see colour and that she is a human rights activist:

 Many believe Nancy is bitter about her own career. Others say her sweeping statements undermine the systemic discrimination African Americans face, and belittle Viola’s achievement as an African American woman:

Whatever her motive, she provoked a Twitter war on herself. Let’s hope the backlash brings understanding and awareness for all.