Ellen DeGeneres is at the centre of some backlash after posting a visual joke on Twitter.

The picture showed DeGeneres on the back of Usain Bolt in his famous smiling picture that was taking as he sprinted toward the gold medal in the 100-meter race in Rio.

This is how I’m running errands from now on. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/gYPtG9T1ao

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 15, 2016

DeGeneres shared the picture on Monday saying “This is how I’m running errands from now on.”

The Tweet prompted an immediate backlash from many users who said the image was racist for showing a white woman riding on the back of a black man.

@TheEllenShow @usainbolt So riding on his back like a mule, a horse as some form of property is fun to you...

Ok.

— 777-9311 (@MiQL) August 15, 2016

People have called the photo "offensive" and said that by appearing to ride on the back of Bolt, the daytime talk show host was likening him to a mule or a piece of property.

@TheEllenShow honestly this is offensive.

— Jazz (@JazzleDazzler) August 15, 2016

Others have jumped to her defence saying it is not offensive, just commenting on his speed.

@iyonah @daibyday @TheEllenShow What's wrong with it? She's saying he's fast. Nothing more. Nothing less

— Bryan Young (@BryanIsTheKing) August 16, 2016

@BureenuhDuhh you guys are being mad petty over something so damn simple. ellen is a nice and generous person she isn't being racist.

— R (@fourfivehours) August 16, 2016

DeGeneres has responded to the critics, saying racism is the "furthest thing from who I am.’’

I am highly aware of the racism that exists in our country. It is the furthest thing from who I am.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 16, 2016

Ellen DeGeneres airs on Channel Nine every afternoon at midday.