Bette Midler (Photo by Julia Kennedy)

Bette Midler has apologized after a recent tweet calling women “the n-word of the world” sparked backlash online.

“Women, are the n-word of the world,” Midler posted. “Raped, beaten, enslaved, married off, worked like dumb animals; denied education and inheritance; enduring the pain and danger of childbirth and life IN SILENCE for THOUSANDS of years[.] They are the most disrespected creatures on earth.”

Midler appeared to be referencing the 1972 song “Woman is the N**er of the World” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

The tweet didn’t go over well with people who accused Midler of being insensitive.

It’s just not right to use n word. It reduces all humanity when used. All over the world women are forced to live lives not of their making through power, war, religion, poverty. And pay with their lIves if they seek freedom from tyranny.

— Katakar (@suregal6) October 5, 2018

Black women have let you know that this is offensive. Are they not women too? It is not our job as white women to dismiss black women’s experiences and feelings. It’s our job to listen and and do better.

— Rachel Fisher (@TheRachelFisher) October 5, 2018

I don’t give a dandelion if #BetteMidler is quoting John Lennon & Yoko Ono, “women are the n-word of the world” is inaccurate, inappropriate, and irresponsible.

The fact that black people are made synonymous with oppression tells you who the world STILL considers “n-words.”

— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) October 5, 2018

Midler deleted the tweet and issued an apology.

“The too brief investigation of allegations against Kavanaugh infuriated me,” she tweeted. “Angrily I tweeted w/o thinking my choice of words would be enraging to black women who doubly suffer, both by being women and by being black. I am an ally and stand with you; always have. And I apologize,” Midler tweeted.

The too brief investigation of allegations against Kavanaugh infuriated me. Angrily I tweeted w/o thinking my choice of words would be enraging to black women who doubly suffer, both by being women and by being black. I am an ally and stand with you; always have. And I apologize.

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) October 5, 2018