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Viola Davis responds to soap star Nancy Lee Grahn's claim she used Emmys speech as 'racial opportunity'

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 21:13 EST, 30 September 2015 | Updated: 22:23 EST, 30 September 2015

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She was accused of using her Emmys speech as a 'racial opportunity'.

And now Viola Davis has responded to the online attack by soap star Nancy Lee Grahn in a new interview.

Speaking with the New York Times, the 50-year-old opened up about the incendiary comments.

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Opening up: Viola Davis has responded to the online attack by soap star Nancy Lee Grahn in a new interview, pictured in September in West Hollywood

'If there has been any backlash, it’s that all people want to feel included in a speech,' Viola said.

'I know there has been some backlash with an actress who didn’t feel she was included,' the How to Get Away With Murder star continued.

She was then asked if she was in fact referring to Grahn, 'Yes. I don’t know that I want to say more about that.'

Grahn wrote on Twitter following Davis' stirring speech in which she detailed the racism and sexism that exists in the film and television industries; 'I wish I loved #ViolaDavis speech, but I thought she should have let @shondarhimes write it.'

Backtrack: General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn has apologized after attacking Viola (L) on Twitter Sunday night following her historic Emmy win

Rhimes is the creator of the show How to Get Away With Murder in which Davis stars.

When one Twitter user then shared with Grahn a tweet sent out by Rhimes herself saying how much she loved Davis' speech, the actress responded by saying; 'I do 2. I think she's the bees knees but she's elite of TV performers. Brilliant as she is. She has never been discriminated against.'

That statement caused a barrage of angry tweets directed at Grahn, with many attacking the 57-year-old General Hospital star for her comments, which she later apologized for on social media.

Grahn at first attempted to explain the reason behind her tweet, writing; 'Viola Davis winning lead actress Emmy's historic. My upset is acting awards dont fix racial injustice. As an actor I see how irrelevant we r.'

Backlash: Grahn voiced criticism of Viola on Twitter after her big Emmy win, pictured in 2013

This came after she had written a since deleted tweet that read; 'Im a f***ing actress for 40 yrs. None of us get respect or opportunity we deserve. Emmys not venue 4 racial opportunity. ALL women belittled.'

She then offered an apology for her words, saying; 'I never mean to diminish her accomplishment. I wish I could get her roles. She is a goddess. I want equality 4 ALL women, not just actors.

'I apologize 2 anyone who I offended. I'm women advocate since I became one. After reading responses, I hear u and my tweet was badly phrased.'

This led to many attacking Grahn even more, with many saying her words were a clear example of 'white privilege; and 'white feminism.'

Grahn, who has been one of the stars of General Hospital for 20 years now after getting her start on the soap Santa Barbara in the 1980s, wrote at the end of the night; '30 yrs an advocate 4 human rights & now i'm a racist. Color me heartbroken. Twitter can bring out the best & sadly tonight the worst of us.'

Davis quoted Harriet Tubman in her acceptance speech after winning for her role in How to Get Away With Murder, saying; 'In my dreams and visions, I seemed to see a line, and on the other side of that line were green fields, and lovely flowers, and beautiful white ladies, who stretched out their arms to me over the line, but I couldn't reach them no-how.'

VIOLA DAVIS' EMMY AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH:

'In my mind, I see a line. And over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me, over that line. But I can't seem to get there no how. I can't seem to get over that line.'

That was Harriet Tubman in the 1800s. And let me tell you something: The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.

You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there. So here's to all the writers, the awesome people that are Ben Sherwood, Paul Lee, Peter Nowalk, Shonda Rhimes, people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black.

And to the Taraji P. Hensons, the Kerry Washingtons, the Halle Berrys, the Nicole Beharies, the Meagan Goods, to Gabrielle Union: Thank you for taking us over that line. Thank you to the Television Academy. Thank you.'

She then said, in what many considered to be the night's most moving speech; 'Let me tell you something: the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.

'You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.'

She went on to thank the many writers who helped to create the character she plays on the popular ABC drama, while also paying tribute to just a few of the other black woman who have helped to inspire her and others with their acting including Kerry Washington, Halle Berry, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union and fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson.

Davis, 50, received a standing ovation as she left the stage.