NBC12 News Anchor Curt Autry Shares Racist Fortune Cookie Meme On Facebook, Apologizes Profusely

Curt Autry, a central Virginia newsman for NBC12 (WWBT), is in the hot seat online for sharing a controversial "fortune cookie" meme that played on the insensitive stereotype of Chinese people eating dogs — with many now accusing him of being racist.

The image was shared to his own Facebook account over the weekend where it went semi-viral among his followers. However, others saw a problem with the sentiments of his post, later prompting him to delete it. Before he did though, others shared screenshots of his post to Reddit and elsewhere.

More seasoned internet sleuths discovered that Autry's most recent "fortune cookie" meme wasn't the only one on his profile. The anchorman additionally shared an almost identical meme back in 2014. Following the backlash from his 2023 post, he seemingly went back and deleted the 2014 one as well.

In the aftermath, Autry posted an apology to his Facebook as an attempted buffer toward any type of cancelation. Among many things he wrote, he stated, "over the weekend I shared an inappropriate meme of a fortune cookie … I now clearly see how many found it offensive."

In the comment section of his Facebook apology, many of Autry's fans and supporters voiced their support such as Facebook user Carynn Porter who wrote, "You are my favorite social media personality! … I find that your posts are usually for a good chuckle/laugh and other posts are to keep us informed, not to offend anyone."

Others, like Brandy Hayden, expressed that Autry was wrong in posting the meme but appreciated his ability to take accountability for the mistake.

Autry also expressed that he was going to take a break from social media in his apology post. It is currently unknown as to how long his hiatus will be.