Jamie Foxx under fire for mocking sign language on 'Fallon'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cast member Jamie Foxx poses at the premiere of "Horrible Bosses 2" at the TCL Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California November 20, 2014. The movie opens in the U.S. on November 26. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT) - RTR4EZE3 (Reuters)
Actor Jamie Foxx is under fire for mocking sign language during his recent appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
The Oscar winner was a guest on Thursday night’s show to promote the premiere of his new FOX game show “Beat Shazam.”
At point, while Fallon was throwing to a commercial, Foxx sat making gestures with his hands, like if he was speaking in sign language. However they made no sense as the actor was faking it.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fellow Oscar winner Marlee Matlin slammed Foxx on Twitter for his actions.
“Mr. @iamjamiefoxx. I’d be happy to give you sign language lessons so you could be funnier.”
Nyle DiMarco, a deaf model who won “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Next Top Model,” called Foxx’s actions “disrespectful.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“@iamjamiefoxx, It is straight up disrespectful to make up sign language. Everything is in gibberish,” he tweeted on Friday.
DiMarco followed it up with another tweet on Saturday calling out Fallon.
“Also- @jimmyfallon @FallonTonight how was this allowed? Where’s the cultural sensitivity. Not comedy when you make fun of others.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Neither Fallon nor Foxx have responded.