Ellen DeGeneres Responds to Backlash Over Her Friendliness With George Bush

“After photos surfaced of her laughing with Bush in Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones’ box, many on social media wondered why the talk show host, a gay woman, would be friendly with a former president who called for a constitutional ban on gay marriage, among other policy positions that seem at odds with her beliefs,” reports Entertainment Weekly.

In response to the internet backlash, the former “Finding Nemo” actress said on a clip from Tuesday’s show of “The Ellen Degeneres” show that people should “be kind to everyone,” including those with whom they disagree.

“So this weekend, I went to Dallas for the Cowboys game. And it may not seem like a big deal for a celebrity to attend a football game, but I never leave my house. So it is a big deal,” Ellen began. “So there were a hundred thousand people in this stadium. Portia and I were invited by Charlotte Jones – she’s the daughter of Jerry Jones, who owns the Dallas Cowboys.”

“So I gotta say, when we were invited, I was aware that I was going to be surrounded by people with different views and beliefs,” she continued. “But during the game, they showed a shot of George and me laughing together, so people were upset. They thought why is a gay Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative Republican president. A lot of people were mad, and they did what people do when they’re mad: they tweet.”