Bette Midler has been slammed by the public and other celebrities for a racial tweet claiming President Donald Trump had paid African-Americans to be "blackground" at a recent rally.
In a rare instance of celebrities bashing another celebrity, "Cheers" star Kirstie Alley led the way, accusing Midler of "REAL racism." The remark was in response to Midler's tweet shared Wednesday to her 1.7 million followers, which featured a photo of Trump at a rally where black men are seen standing in the crowd. "Look, there are African American men in this shot! How much did he pay them to be 'blackground'?" Midler tweeted.
"This is one of the most racist, degrading 'jokes' I've seen on Twitter & that's saying a lot," Alley tweeted in response. "We get it Bette, you hate Trump & that's your right but to imply Black men have to be PAID to celebrate their OWN political views is pure and REAL racism. And "BLACKGROUND"?? WTF??!!"
Alley was not the only celebrity to denounce the controversial tweet. Comedian Terrence K. Williams posted an emotionally fired-up video to Twitter declaring his support to Trump, who "cares about the black community." Williams added that Midler's musings sounded racist.
"Hercules" actor Kevin Sorbo retweeted the video, simply writing "Bravo!"
Midler's tweet also drew the attention of director Rob Reiner, who called the "Hocus Pocus" actress out on her tweet, but she refused to back down on her comments.
"Personally, I enjoy swearing. Why don’t you try it, you uptight.....ha!" she tweeted to him, according to Fox News.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.