Why Betty White, why not Queen Elizabeth?: US journalist's tweet draws flak

London: A US-based freelance journalist has faced a backlash on social media for her comments on Queen Elizabeth II.

Nylah Burton, an American writer going by username @yumcoconutmilk, had tweeted: "BETTY WHITE IS DEAD!?! Why couldn't it have been Queen Elizabeth?"

Her comments came following the death of Betty White, an American actor who died at 99 on December 31.

The tweet has sparked public outrage and many social media users including journalists reacted to it.

A TV news presenter, Don Wootton, said, "What a revolting thing to say. Shame on you".

In retort, Burton said, "But you didn’t answer my question, Dan. Why not Queen Elizbeth?? The universe took the wrong old white lady smdh (Shaking my damn head)".

Wootton in reply said: "You are not only foul and unfunny, but also racist" adding "You have no shame."

Following the intensive backlash including from many others, the freelance journalist at first switched her account to private before removing it completely later on Friday, The Sun reported. (UNI)