Comedian under fire for 'white people' tweet on Independence Day

Comedian Damon Wayans Jr.'s Independence Day message seems to have set off some fireworks online.

"Happy white people proud of their racist ancestors day," the 34-year-old actor tweeted out on July 4th.

Unsurprisingly, backlash over the controversial tweet ensued almost immediately.

"You should be thankful too, we all hit lottery when born in US,"wrote one user. "Where else on planet (sic) would you be better off."

"Unbelievable," wrote another. "You just live in the best country in the world. You should thank God that you live in America."

Wayans Jr. took to Twitter again that day to defend himself, saying that "jokes aren't illegal."

But once again, Twitter users clapped back at his response.

"When I think of all the men and women who have died for our independence, laughter does not come to mind," one woman said in reply.