Ellen DeGeneres responds after fans claim her Usain Bolt meme was racist

Ellen DeGeneres has responded to fans who claimed her meme of the now-viral photo of Usain Bolt was racist.

A photographer of Bolt during the 100-meter semifinals in Rio became an instant meme classic on Sunday night. The photo which shows the Jamaican sprinter smiling mid-race surfaced online and cause quite a stir.

Among the many memes which were created, Ellen DeGeneres uploaded one of her own.

Related: Vybz Kartel releases Olympics tribute ‘Win’ for Elaine Thompson & Usain Bolt

DeGeneres’ edited meme shows her riding on Bolt’s back, “This is how I’m running errands from now on,” She Tweeted.

However while generating over 36,000 retweets, 90,000 likes and a retweet from Usain Bolt himself, many fans blasted the TV host as being racist.

“So riding on his back like a mule, a horse, as some form of property is fun to you,” one user stated.

Ellen has since responded saying, “I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.”

Jamaicans also commented on the matter with one user saying, “Dear Ellen, We JAMAICANS don’t have a problem with this. We actually realised and appreciated this joke Sign:J’cans.”