Ellen DeGeneres defends herself after backlash from meme

Los Angeles — Ellen DeGeneres says she's not racist after receiving backlash on social media for posting an edited photo of herself riding on the back of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.

The talk show host said on Tuesday on Twitter that she's "highly aware of the racism that exists in our country" but that's "the furthest thing from who I am."

DeGeneres posted the photo on Monday with the caption: "This is how I'm running errands from now on."

The image of a white woman riding a black man was criticised by many users on social media.

The original photo of Bolt smiling while running went viral following his gold medal win in the 100-meter dash.

The comedienne frequently posts photos of herself edited into topical moments and scenes from popular films and TV shows.