Tiffany Haddish was impressed by one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World during her visit to Zimbabwe, but it was a grocery store that truly astounded the comedian.
Haddish found herself at the center of an online storm after expressing surprise at the presence of a well-stocked Pick n Pay grocery store in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Haddish wandered through the expansive aisles and commented on the availability of organic strawberries, sugar cane, and other goods, a reaction that ignited a flurry of criticism for perpetuating outdated stereotypes about Africa.
“Hey y’all, so I’m out here in Zimbabwe, and look at the grocery store,” Tiffany Haddish said in a video. “They got a grocery store. It’s beautiful. It’s beautiful. It’s a grocery store. Look at these organic strawberries. This what I love. They sell sugar cane. It is fire.”
Her observations on the pricing and size of the store added fuel to the fire.
@tiffanyhaddish ♬ original sound – TIFFANY HADDISH
“How much are these? $67. The price is different, but it do look like it’s expensive. Look at this grocery store. It’s huge. It’s absolutely humongous,” she observed, noting the store’s vastness and the variety of goods for sale.
Haddish’s comments drew ire on social media, with many pointing out that her astonishment missed the mark, suggesting a lack of awareness about the continent’s infrastructure and economic growth.
I'm too confused on whether to laugh or feel sorry for her. It would be good to get @TiffanyHaddish to explain why she was surprised in seeing a grocery store in our beloved country? It's not like we get our food through scavenging or hunting & gathering.
— Dr² Hillary Musarurwa, PhD (@HillaryMusarurw) July 28, 2024
“I’m too confused on whether to laugh or feel sorry for her. It would be good to get @TiffanyHaddish to explain why she was surprised in seeing a grocery store in our beloved country? It’s not like we get our food through scavenging or hunting & gathering,” one user fumed on X.
“Why you gotta do this lame sh*t? You think we go to the bush to pluck leaves and feed on? I’m a big fan but this is a NO for me,” another user angrily tweeted at Haddish.
Her remarks, intended to express her delight, struck a nerve, highlighting a complex and often misrepresented narrative.
The actress and comedian has been spending time in Zimbabwe, partaking in activities that have generated a buzz.
She was seen dancing the night away at Harare’s upscale Pabloz Nite Club, causing quite a stir among locals and fans across social media.
In addition to her grocery store visit, Haddish ventured to Victoria Falls, where she expressed awe over witnessing the lunar rainbow, a rare natural phenomenon.
“For the 1st time in my whole life I got to see a Lunar Rainbow. At Victoria falls one of the seven wonders of the world,” she said.
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Ngl this is sad Miss I really love you and your movies every single time I see you in a movie I get pumped but this not really everything in America is in Africa @TiffanyHaddish 👀👀
— jeromecpkbrown (@jeromecpk) July 28, 2024
We are all surprised they have grocery stores in Zimbabwe though 🤷♀️
— Shelley (@MapsShi) July 28, 2024
Real estate is actually a boom currently in Zimbabwe. Prices are competitively reduced if you are within the target market segment. Confirm with property market players there.
— International Cables Network (@IntlCablesNet) July 28, 2024
Thank you @TiffanyHaddish for showing that 🇿🇼 isn't a cesspool nor backward and things that Americans are told daily by their media are false! In fact I @MthuliNcube01 @nickmangwana @BarbaraRwodzi should make efforts to engage her and help market the #Zimbabwe better. pic.twitter.com/fqmeZ92RKZ
— Nevanji (@NNehoreka) July 28, 2024
This is what ZanuPF has done to brand Zimbabwe.We are a laughing stock in the world.
— Mazakhela (@Mazakhela1) July 28, 2024
Shame on all those who support and ever supported this party.
Such people did not and do not love Zimbabwe.
She's clearly demystifying common narratives about Africa.
— Stan_the_man (@stanleytavero) July 28, 2024
@TiffanyHaddish first of all Africa is not a country and beside the fact that you’re not funny you look so dumb …but we African already know how ignorant Americans are …
— Mr T (@itsoumou) July 28, 2024
You should actually applaud her. The mainstream media has misinformed citizens of western countries about Africa, but when they actually visit and see the different realities for themselves, they get caught in excitement and utter disbelief. So pardon them. @TiffanyHaddish 👏
— Uche BonnyLife Ndu, PhD (@BonnylifeUche) July 28, 2024