Lee Daniels’ show Empire may be one of the most watched in the US, but despite its millions of viewers and widespread critical admiration, it only garnered three nominations at the Emmy awards this week.
Daniels – with tongue slightly in cheek – has now responded to the snub with an Instagram video filmed alongside Empire star Jussie Smollett, shouting “fuck these motherfuckers” alongside the hashtag #emmyniceguyoverwith.
After the inevitable online outrage, he posted another video telling the “haters” to “shut up”, adding “I love the Emmys.”
He also posted a video congratulating his ex-partner Billy Hopkins for his Emmy nomination, earned for casting HBO’s Bessie Smith biopic drama Bessie. As well as nods for actors Queen Latifah and Michael Kenneth Williams, Mo’Nique was also nominated for her supporting turn as blues musician Ma Rainey.
She and Daniels had a public falling out earlier in the year, with Mo’Nique accusing Daniels of “blackballing” her and hampering her chances of getting Hollywood roles following her Oscar-winning turn in Daniels’ movie Precious. But the spat was smoothed over by Mo’Nique, telling The Wrap: “In reference to Empire, I believe that it’s one of the most amazing shows in television history. It’s breaking all kinds of records. When it comes to that show, I stand up and applaud it I applaud Lee Daniels and his vision. Everything that’s happening to that brother right now, he deserves it.”
