‘I hope everyone is OK’: Amy Schumer responds to backlash over Nicole Kidman joke

‘I hope everyone is okay and takes a deep breath including all of the think pieces written on this. You guys good?’ Schumer writes

Kaleigh Werner
New York
Saturday 16 September 2023 05:57 EDT
Comments
Celebrities react to US Open final's nail-biting moments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Amy Schumer has responded to the criticism over her joke about Nicole Kidman.

The Trainwreck star took to Instagram, posting a screenshot from her notes app with an explanation behind the quip she made about how Kidman was seated at the US Open.

“Okay so the joke I was making was the way she was posed didn’t seem like how a human sits,” Schumer wrote on 15 September. “I was not making fun of how she looks.”

Schumer said her intention was harmless, adding that she believes the film producer to be “beautiful and one of the most incredible actors of all time”.

The comedian also condemned the attention surrounding the joke amid all other news.

In her caption, the 42-year-old writer turned the focus on her audience.

“I hope everyone is okay and takes a deep breath including all of the think pieces written on this. You guys good?” she questioned. “To all of the people who commented on me. I’m so sorry I’m not prettier. Please forgive me. I apologise.”

She then conveyed her shock over her words seemingly attracting more attention than the “deadly storms sweeping the world,” the “man who was convicted of rape,” which appeared to be in reference to Danny Masterson, or the fact that “North Korea and Russia are getting too close for comfort”.

Schumer remarked: “But what got your goat was me saying that Nicole Kidman’s pose was not human-like.”

“Breathe y’all,” she continued. “To the people who write hateful things below I forgive you as a mother, a woman and most importantly as someone who also likes hot goss.”

Schumer was accused of “cyberbullying” Kidman after she posted a picture of the Oscar winner at the US Open on 9 September. The image displayed Kidman intensely watching the women’s singles final between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The Big Little Lies lead appeared wide-eyed as her hand propped up her chin. She donned a pink dress and teamed it with a side ponytail and fitted white jacket.

On Instagram, Schumer shared the photo of Kidman with the caption: “This how human sit.”

The post prompted anger and criticism from Schumer’s fans, with many upset with the comedian’s post. According to Page Six, one individual commented: “Are you cyberbullying Oscar and Emmy winner Nicole Kidman right now.”

“This post seems beneath you. What point are you trying to make here?” another social media user wrote, per the Daily Mail’s report.

Schumer subsequently removed the post on Monday and issued an apology after. “I want to apologise to all the people I hurt posting a photo of Nicole Kidman and alluding to her being an alien,” she said.

In the since-deleted post with her offering of regret, she made a point to reference the letters Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote to the judge in support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

“I will be asking the cast of That ‘70s Show to write letters advocating for my forgiveness,” Schumer proclaimed, adding the hashtag “#takingtimetoheal”.

As of now, Kidman has not addressed Schumer’s post.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Schumer and Kidman for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in