Ellen DeGeneres criticised for 'racist' sketch mocking Nicki Minaj for having a large bottom

It's been labelled "reductive" and "lazy", with one viewer comparing it to a minstrel show

(EllenTube)

Ellen DeGeneres has been criticised for a ‘racist’ sketch which mocked Nicki Minaj for having a large bottom.

The sketch was on the latest episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and came in response to news Minaj would be producing a sitcom based on her childhood growing up in Queens, New York.

But it was slammed for being a “lazy, tasteless” sketch by some - with others comparing it to a minstrel show.

In it, Minaj is portrayed as a young schoolgirl with a gigantic bottom, and the rest of her family, including the dog, are seen knocking things over every time they turn around.

Ellen/Nicki Minaj SKit

Yesterday, Ellen DeGeneres aired a skit about an upcoming sitcom around Nicki Minaj's childhood. It featured a little black girl, a black woman and man with extremely large butts. Watch below, and you tell us whether you think sexualizing little black girls is okay. #SOUNDOFF

Posted by Colorlines on Tuesday, 13 October 2015

Many were surprised at the cruel take-down given Minaj has made many appearances on the talk show and DeGeneres has been a huge supporter of the singer.

But while Minaj is usually in on the joke - such as DeGeneres’ parody of her "Anaconda" video - many felt this was an unnecessary swipe.

Vox called the sketch “too reductive to make any kind of point. Also, it’s gross” while Mic said it’s indicative of a lack of respect for black women’s bodies.

DeGeneres has not spoken out about the fallout from the clip. The Independent has contacted CBS and DeGeneres for comment.