A comedian recently sparked controversy after sharing a photo of himself in what many online users have labeled as ‘white face.’
The entertainment industry has a history of contentious incidents involving performers using makeup to depict different races. Politicians have also been criticized for similar actions, but this current controversy presents a different scenario, leaving people divided on their opinions.
Some individuals on social media are describing it as ‘white face,’ while others perceive it simply as a humorous take on American stereotypes.
The focal point of this controversy is comedian and content creator Druski.
Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes and is 30 years old, is renowned for his real-life memes and appearances at sports events. However, his recent skit at a NASCAR event has stirred up emotions for many.
In a video uploaded to his social media platforms, Druski portrayed ‘That Guy who is just Proud to be AMERICAN.’
His ensemble featured pale skin, a beard, light-colored hair, American flag tattoos, a cowboy hat adorned with the flag, and denim overalls. His costume appears to embody a stereotypical patriotic man from the Southern United States, possibly reflecting the Bible Belt region.
In the video, he is seen singing Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’, drinking beers, sharing a cigarette with a woman he introduced as his ‘wife,’ and posing with a ‘fake family’ before heading to the stands.
At the beginning of the clip, he spits on the ground near a Black man while leaning against a car, insinuating racial prejudice. Later, he halts his car when noticing another Black man entering the event, questioning if ‘he’s lost’ after spitting at him twice.
While some viewers on X praised his transformation skills with the use of makeup, others found the entire skit to be problematic.
One commenter stated: “Give his makeup team a raise. Holy s***.”
Another remarked: “That make up is something else.”
Critics were quick to voice their disapproval, accusing him of racism and ‘whitefacing.’
One user compared it to Robert Downey Jr’s blackface portrayal in 2008’s Tropic Thunder: “This is some of the best makeup I’ve ever seen honestly lol, this is higher quality than RDJ in Tropic Thunder. I wonder how much this cost.”
Another individual admitted: “I can’t believe this brother is almost pulling off this look lol. Usually that shit looks uncanny Valley AF.”
Comedian Theo Vonn also chimed in, expressing interest in getting similar makeup work: “Wowwww. Anyone do hair and m/u? hit my dms. i feel a jheri curl coming on,” he posted on his X account.
Druski, however, took the backlash in stride and questioned if he was being ‘cancelled’ now.
He shared a follow-up clip on Instagram, responding to the criticism.
The clip was captioned: “AM I CANCELLED ?????”.
In the video, he is seen walking through a studio in a suit, cigarette in hand, accompanied by James Brown’s ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ playing in the background.
Moreover, he posted on his Instagram Stories, questioning, ‘Why is this on the news?’ after media outlets reported on the backlash.