Druski's whiteface NASCAR skit draws mixed reaction

Comedian Andrew Desbordes, known professionally as Druski, drew widespread attention and a divided response after posting a video September 2 showing him in full whiteface at a NASCAR event in Darlington, South Carolina. In the clip, which he captioned "That Guy who is just Proud to be AMERICAN," the 30 year old disguised himself as a stereotypical Southern "redneck" with sunburned skin, a mullet, cowboy hat, overalls and stage makeup that organizers of the skit have said made him nearly unrecognizable.

The video shows Druski interacting with tailgaters, raising beers, swapping cigarettes and singing along to Born in the USA. In several moments that have driven online debate, he spits at the feet of two Black attendees and, in one exchanged captured on camera, leans out of a truck window and tells a Black man making his way to the event to "find something safe to do, boy," according to the posted footage. NASCAR driver Ty Gibbs appears in the clip and at one point seems to stifle laughter.

The skit went viral within days, drawing millions of views and tens of thousands of comments. Reported view counts varied across platforms and outlets, with some tallies placing the clip at...