Comedian and actor Jim Carrey drew scorn on social media over the weekend for tweeting an unflattering portrait widely interpreted to be of White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The controversy arose on Friday when Carrey tweeted a painting widely thought to be a caricature of Sanders. The actor wrote the portrait was of a "so-called Christian" whose only purpose in life was "to lie for the wicked." Carrey never specifically cited Sanders by name, but the–albeit unflattering–likeness of the portrait and the pointedness of his attack left little doubt to the target's identity.
This is the portrait of a so-called Christian whose only purpose in life is to lie for the wicked. Monstrous! pic.twitter.com/MeYLTy1pqb
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) March 17, 2018
A spokeswoman for Carrey confirmed to the Associated Press that Carrey painted the portrait himself but would not confirm if it was supposed to represent Sanders.
Social media users were quick to assail Carrey for what they saw not only as a sexist attack but also as one that inappropriately attacked Sanders' faith.
Hey @JimCarrey - @PressSec is not a "so-called" Christian. She IS a Christian. And there's nothing more beautiful than a follower of our Lord. https://t.co/Hav2Mc8KIH
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) March 19, 2018
The press secretary's father, Gov. Mike Huckabee (R., Ark.), added to the criticism on Monday by expressing some choice words for the Hollywood funnyman. Retweeting a segment of "Fox and Friends," the governor castigated Carrey as a bully, sexist, and "Christaphobe." Huckabee also questioned whether Hollywood and the media would condone such attacks on someone who was a devout practitioner of the Muslim or Jewish faiths.
Pathetic BULLY, sexist, hater, bigot & "Christaphobe" @jimcarrey attacks @PressSec for her faith; what would be hypocritical Hollywood reaction if he called someone a "so-called Muslim" or "so-called Jew?" #classlessCarrey https://t.co/HCqHoER0Ru
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) March 19, 2018
This is not the first time that Carrey has chosen portraiture to express his political opinions and poke fun at high profile Republicans. On his Twitter page, the Comedian has previously posted portraits and caricatures of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), Rep. Devin Nunes (R., Calif.), Rep. Trey Gowdy (R., S.C.), and President Donald Trump.
The GOP and WH have become sinister conclaves of souless traitors, liars and thieves - a gangrene we must remove so democracy can live. #killthebill pic.twitter.com/DzXdh68qVB
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) November 29, 2017
Tone deaf Paul Ryan brags that his tax bill is going to make low income voters an extra $1.50 a week! That’s almost enough for a box of Band-Aids. Who needs healthcare? WAKE UP REPUBLICAN BASE! You are parked on the tracks, cheering for the train that’s about to run you down. ;^P pic.twitter.com/Xh0dAiSGtC
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) February 5, 2018
Rubio‘s agenda is clear. Keep taking millions from the NRA and wash the blood of innocent children off his hands. Apparently $3.3 million is the price of this politician’s soul. pic.twitter.com/wom4IrTfsj
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) February 24, 2018
"White House delivery boy; can I take your order?!" ;^P pic.twitter.com/PmNeHEIu3j
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) February 3, 2018
Another RAT leaps from the sinking ship. Swim Willard! SWIM! #TreyGowdy pic.twitter.com/erfuVagGyo
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) January 31, 2018
"...and the blind shall see and the lame shall walk and the cheats shall inherit the earth!" #StateOfTheUnion pic.twitter.com/BYuzgzLtZF
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) January 31, 2018