Lee Daniels Speaks Out On ‘Empire’ Emmy Snub

Lee Daniels, creator of new hip-hop drama Empire, reacted to the drama’s Emmy snub, in a video posted to his Instagram on Thursday.

Lee Daniels Drops F-Bomb In ‘Empire’ Emmy Snub Rant

Fox’s hit new series Empire has won fan raves since its debut. But it barely got recognized by the Emmy voters.

The show had been considered serious competition in the best drama race, in addition to lead actor Terrence Howard for best actor. Fox had campaigned heavily for the series — Empire was the highest-rated new series to come along in more than a decade — growing its audience with each week. Its March 18 finale drew 17.6 million same-night viewers and more than 20 million within just three days of DVR playback.

The show did score three Emmy nods — for the series leading woman Taraji P. Henson as best actress, and two in the costume categories.

Daniels did not appreciate the snub in the Outstanding Drama Series category. To show his disapproval, Daniels decided to say a few words to the TV Academy, by posting a video on Instagram.

In the video Daniels appears with Empire actor Jussie Smollett. “Jussie what do people want to see on Instagram?” Daniels asked. “They want to see you and the people you created,” Smollett joked.

“Jussie is saying I have to be politically correct on Instagram or I’m going to get in trouble,” Daniels said. “You have to be nice,” the young actor warned.

Daniels ignored Smollett and with a laugh called out, “F—k these motherf—kers!”

 

But, Daniels went back online later Thursday night to apparently clarify his remarks in a more sober manner. Daniels says he “loves the Emmys” and has nothing but good wishes for the nominations that his show received and others.