The actress recently released a video in which, while dressed as the famous "Mama" character that she originated in the late 1960s on "The Carol Burnett Show," she claims that the only way to become famous these days is to be homeless.
The video clearly targets the recent rise of homeless voice-over artist Williams.
"And when he gives me a dollar, I'm going to say, 'God bless you. God bless you,' in the sweetest, deepest voice that I pull out of my a-- and you know what? Next thing, I'm gonna be famous. I'm gonna be all over the TV, and I'm gonna have all kinds of people asking me to represent their product, like, I don't know, Super Poligrip. And Depends! I would be a perfect spokesperson for Depends!'"
Lawrence, 61, made the video after seeing all the glowing media coverage about Williams and work being handed to him while she, an actress with more than 40 years experience, is settling for guest parts on "Hannah Montana."
But while Lawrence intended for the clip to get laughs, homeless advocates such as Aaron Reddin are gagging on her gags.
Reddin, 29, who has been running shelters in Little Rock, Ark., for the past five years, says Lawrence's jokes about homelessness rely on stereotypes that they are all winos on drugs.
"Not everyone on the streets is a stereotypical homeless hobo," Reddin griped to AOL News. "I've got guys living on the streets who are friends of mine -- and they aren't freebasing.
"One guy was hit by a car and was in a coma. He doesn't remember who he is so he can't get an ID and you can't get into a shelter without an ID."
Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage
Vicki Lawrence, shown in 2005, is in hot water with some homeless advocates over a video she made.
"She should note that mac 'n cheese is actually pretty popular on the streets," he said. "It's cheap, quick and easily made, not to mention it provides plenty of carbs to keep the body going in the elements.
"So, not only is she old and washed up but she's also out of touch with reality. Wait, that's because of that old part, right? Or was she always? I don't know. And I'm far too young to give a damn."
As Reddin sees it, Lawrence is using this video -- which he calls "dehumanizing" and "derogatory" and "just plain stupid" -- as a way to get another 15 minutes of fame.
"She's complaining about anybody becoming famous these days, but she's just riding on Ted Williams' coattails."
Lawrence's video and comments to AOL News are also angering Neil Donovan, the spokesman for the National Coalition for the Homeless, a homeless advocacy organization.
Kevin Scott Hees
Lawrence is using her famous "Mama" character to satirize homeless man Ted Williams and to point out how more professional performers are having a hard time getting work.
Donovan also says the fact that Lawrence made her caustic comments in the guise of a character prevents a real discussion from taking place.
"Most times, people are willing to express opinions as themselves and this allows us to speak as adults and have a civil conversation," he said. "With this video, it's hard to figure out the access point to talk with her about her toxic opinions."
Donovan also finds her stance toward Williams -- who he points out has never claimed to be a hero throughout his two-week trek through the belly of celebrity -- a little hypocritical.
"This is a woman who has made children's videos with a Christian message and now she's saying some of the most un-Christian things imaginable."
Meanwhile, Lawrence's manager, David Brokaw, says the video was intended to be a piece of social satire like "A Modest Proposal," Jonathan Swift's 1729 essay in which he suggested poor people solve their economic strife by selling children as food to the wealthy.