Jimmy Kimmel and other celebs who got backlash for blackface
The TV host announced his vacation amid the resurfacing sketches
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CELEBRITY Racism
In 2000, Jimmy Kimmel donned blackface for appearances on 'The Man Show.' He played NBA player Karl Malone, and a did a parody of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' called 'Oprah Jimfrey.' He's certainly not the only star with controversial sketches resurfacing, but he has fuelled the fire by announcing a brief vacation from his show without making any comments on the harmful nature of his past actions.
For context, historically it was commonplace for white actors especially to darken their skin, and impersonate other races, mainly black and brown people. This history dates back to the mid-19th century in North America, but can be traced as far back as the 17th century in Europe. But although more commonly associated with actors, more and more it's come to include musical artists, politicians, reality TV stars, and even famous YouTubers.
Writes CNN journalist Kendall Trammell: "Portraying yourself as someone of a different race is not just a representation of a person but rather using someone's skin tone as a costume."
And who are the big names that took part in this degrading practice? Click on to find out.
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