Talk show host Wendy Williams issued an apology to Joker star Joaquin Phoenix after making fun of a scar the actor has on his upper lip, which she referred to as a "cleft palate."Williams mocked Phoenix by lifting her own upper lip up dramatically with her finger during the Jan. 7 segment on The Wendy Williams Show, causing the audience to laugh. Phoenix, however, does not have a "cleft palate" or "cleft lip," as Williams also put it, but rather a non-surgical scar that he was reportedly born with.

RELATED: Joker Gets Limited Theatrical Re-Release In Wake of Oscar Nominations

"I want to apologize to the cleft community," Williams tweeted after coming under fire on social media. Countless users were calling her out for the Phoenix segment, which was supposed to focus on the actor’s good looks.

"He’s got that most, it dips way down, like he is happy with it, so so am I," Williams quipped at one point. "And when he shaves off his mustache he’s got a hairline fracture. He’s got one of those, what you call them? A cleft lip, cleft palate."

A number of celebrities called out Williams for her remarks, including Cher and Canadian football player Adam Bighill, who blasted her for promoting bullying. Bighill has a son who just underwent cleft lip surgery this week.

"We’re thinking about Beau today," Williams added in her tweet. "In Beau’s honor, our show is donating to [Operation Smile] and [American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association] and encourage our Wendy Watchers to learn more and help support the cleft community."

RELATED: Joker Director Todd Phillips Reacts To 11 Oscar Nominations

Williams had been discussing Phoenix’s success at the Golden Globes for Joker when she brought up his appearance. Phoenix won for best actor in a drama film for his performance as Arthur Fleck in the Todd Phillips-directed film.

Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham. The film is currently available on Digital HD, Blu-ray, 4K UHD and DVD.