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NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has been ordered to attend sensitivity training following a tweet he posted that contained a meme about Asian drivers. The tweet, which Hamlin has since deleted and apologized for, used a clip from Family Guy to mock his friend and opponent Kyle Larson (who is half-Japanese) after he made a move in his final turn that caused fellow driver Kurt Busch to crash.
Here's the removed Denny Hamlin tweet https://t.co/XVuhfTNID4 pic.twitter.com/lFRfDJev6z
— That Jones Fan (@heebygeebies) April 26, 2022
I took down a post I made earlier today after reading some of the comments. It was a poor choice of memes and I saw how it was offensive. It came across totally wrong. I apologize.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) April 26, 2022
NASCAR has informed Denny Hamlin that he must complete sensitivity training and the process must be started by the end of this week.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 26, 2022
Some fans of the sport posted on social networks like Twitter in defense of Hamlin, writing that the driver should not have been made to delete his tweet.
NASCAR Twitter really made Denny Hamlin apologize for a meme 😂
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) April 26, 2022
Denny Hamlin's sensitivity training transcript
"Hey man, don't do that again"
"Ok"— LabonteFan and 99 others (@LabonteFan) April 26, 2022
We complain about how vanilla today's drivers are. The latest Denny Hamlin story tells you why they have to be.
— Jim LaPlante (@JimLaPlante) April 26, 2022
Should Denny Hamlin take sensitive training for a meme? Tell me in the comments below! 🗨️⬇️ #NASCAR #dennyhamlin pic.twitter.com/Ogxtrq93ai
— Jimmie Logano (@JimmieLogano) April 27, 2022
Others pointed out that the Hamlin tweet was indeed racist, and joked about the type of person defending the driver.
the comments on any post about denny hamlin right now pic.twitter.com/GuRiifXeM8
— Jordan (rimegepant) (@notcodyware) April 26, 2022
Not handled great my dude. Its not career ender, but lost some respect for you (despite the unintentional karma for Larson), particularly with initial doubling down followed by belated apology near midnight ET. Smells being slapped on the wrist by either sponsors, NASCAR, or both
— Mike P. (@MPsNewsDesk) April 26, 2022
a joke that’s accidentally racist is still racist. i know it wasn’t denny’s intention but it’s still good that he apologized.
— Jordan (rimegepant) (@notcodyware) April 26, 2022
Some also pointed out the irony of NASCAR, which airs on Fox, criticizing Hamlin for posting a clip from Family Guy, a show that also airs on Fox.
Fox: Airs racially insensitive clip on Family Guy
NASCAR: Signs deal with Fox
Denny Hamlin: Posts NASCAR clip with Family Guy clip
NASCAR: TAKE SENSITIVITY TRAINING— Chris Overland (@ChrisOverland47) April 26, 2022
This is the latest in a series of highly public incidents in which NASCAR continues to reckon with racism, attempting to change its reputation and become a more inclusive sport.
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