The original criticism was aimed at Kellly for using the empty barrel phrase....which the critics Wilson and the media described as being " racist" ...most know that empty containers, barrels , make more noise when struck , I have never, ever, over the years  heard the phrase being linked to  racism.

Unfortunately, these days, almost everything said  can be interpreted as being racist....If one asked for one's eggs to be fried sunny side up, some crazy person will spit out the "racist" word.