Viola Davis, 50, reduced the audience to tears after becoming the first black woman ever to win the Emmy for best lead actress in a drama series, US Magazine reported.

Nancy Lee Grahn reacted to this and took to her verified Twitter account to rally against Davis. "Im an actres **** for 40 yrs," she was quoted as saying by BuzzFeed. "None of us get respect or opportunity we deserve. Emmy's not venue 4 racial opportunity. ALL women belittled." The tweet has since been deleted.

The soap star even suggested that Davis hasn't experienced discrimination in Hollywood. "I think she's the bees knees but she's elite of TV performers," Grahn tweeted to a fan. "Brilliant as she is. She has never been discriminated against."

This was followed by a terrible backlash. Grahn then issued an apology. "I never mean to diminish her accomplishment," US Magazine reported.

"I wish I could get her roles. She is a goddess. I want equality 4 ALL women, not just actors," she added. "I apologize 2 anyone whom I offended. I'm women advocate since I became one. After reading responses, I hear u and my tweet was badly phrased."

The actress followed up with a lengthier apology. "I apologize for my earlier tweets and now realize I need to check my own privilege," Grahn wrote.

"My intention was not to take this historic and important moment from Viola Davis or other women of color but I realize that my intention doesn't matter here because that is what I ended up doing. I learned a lot tonight and I admit that there are still some things I don't understand but I am trying to and will let this be a learning experience for me."

Meanwhile, many celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Shonda Rhimes took to social media on Sunday night to support Davis and her big win, US Magazine noted. "Wow , WOW! Another proud to spell my name W.O.M.A.N. Moment," Winfrey noted. "Thank you @violadavis #EmmyWinner."