Justin Timberlake has been criticised for repeatedly speaking over and calling the musician SZA “sis” during an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres’ US talk show.
The actor and singer was appearing alongside SZA to discuss a new musical collaboration. During the interview, DeGeneres asked SZA about recently appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone.
“I just want to ask you … was it hot?” DeGeneres asked, in reference to SZA wearing a bikini top on the cover. “Oh, sis!” Timberlake interrupted.
As SZA began to speak, Timberlake continued to answer DeGeneres’ question for her. “What are you doing to them, sis?”
Timberlake continued to interject while SZA answered the question, ultimately adding: “Sometimes y’all got to let ‘em know, ‘I’ve been workin’ out’.”
On Twitter, many were confused by Timberlake’s accent during the exchange, and by his repeated interruptions.
“Why is he talking like that and over her?” asked one viewer. “I don’t like that he’s saying sis,” read one reply.
Others criticised Timberlake for using African American vernacular and slang.
“JT is the definition of white people changing their dialect around black people,” read one tweet. “Call it mental illness.”
Another viewer added: “Is there any reason he’s trying to use AAVE [African American Vernacular English] and acting like a fool? Does he know when to stop culturally appropriating or does it just come natural to him now?!”
Timberlake and SZA have collaborated on single “The Other Side”, the theme song for the forthcoming animated musical Trolls World Tour.
