Jamie Foxx defends Jimmy Fallon against blackface backlash: ‘Let this one go’

Fallon has responded to criticism

Jamie Foxx has defended Jimmy Fallon against criticism related to a resurfaced video of the TV host wearing blackface.

Fallon has faced renewed backlash over the past few days over a 2000 Saturday Night Live clip, in which he impersonates the comedian Chris Rock.

Foxx commented on an Instagram post by E! News about the controversy, writing: “[Fallon] was doing an impression of Chris Rock. It wasn’t blackface. We comedians I know it’s a tough time right now. But this one is a stretch.”

Foxx referenced the former sketch show Living in Color, saying it involved “[playing] every race”.

“Let this one go,” he added. “We got bigger fish to fry.”

Fallon previously apologised for the skit, tweeting: “In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface.

“There is no excuse for this.

“I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.”