By Albert Lin
Rashida Jones is Hollywood royalty of sorts, the daughter of legendary music producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton. She’s been in the industry for nearly 20 years, scoring recurring/regular roles in several popular TV shows, most recently Parks and Recreation.
Yet Danielle Demski, one of the hosts for TNT’s telecast, apparently didn’t know Jones’ background. Because during the red carpet arrival for Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, this awkward exchange occurred.
“You look like you’ve just come off like an island or something,” Demski told Jones. “You’re very tan, very tropical.”
Jones downplayed the faux pas, casually replying: “I mean, you know, I’m ethnic.”
Demski burst into laughter, perhaps realizing her error. Jones even chuckled along with her. But Demski’s co-host, J.D. Heyman—Deputy Editor, Entertainment of People magazine, the nation’s top celebrity magazine—let Demski off the hook when he retorted, “Me, too!”
Demski then looked into the camera and added awkwardly, “It’s just being ethnic, that’s what it is!”
The Twittersphere found the whole incident amusing rather than malicious.
Pro-tip: don’t compliment someone for being “tan” if you aren’t aware that they are biracial. http://t.co/yjv61hmH2w
— Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell) January 26, 2015
So you’re a reporter in Hollywood and you don’t know who Rashida Jones’ father is. Oh. Maybe this line of work isn’t for you.
— #SocialMediaRuru (@littlewhetu) January 27, 2015
My reaction when a ridiculous reporter commented on Rashida Jones being “so tan!” http://t.co/ntxu3iYMr3 pic.twitter.com/on9y1EkgAY
— Raquel E Saraswati (@RaquelEvita) January 27, 2015
Demski was a beauty queen and an NFL cheerleader before transitioning into TV work. She has also had bit parts in a few TV shows. She has not issued any apology or comment about her interaction with Jones.
Jones has also not made any further comment since the incident.
Watch the exchange below:
