Actor John Leguizamo Slams MAGA Narrative on DEI During Emmy Awards

At the Emmy Awards, actor John Leguizamo said, “Everyone in this room tonight has dedicated their lives to diligence, excellence and imagination, so we all are DEI hires.”

Leguizamo, who starred in “Ice Age,” continued, “That’s right, DEI: the ‘D’ is for diligence, the ‘E’ is for excellence, the ‘I’ is for imagination,” Leguizamo said.

As reported by OKMagazine.com, Leguizamo has been outspoken in his criticism of conservatives and their effort to undermine DEI standards.

“Tonight is among the most diverse list of nominees in Emmys history,” Leguizamo said. “I see lots of my incredibly talented Latinx brothers and sisters. Selena Gomez is nominated for ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ and she’s been carrying Steve Martin and Martin Short for three whole seasons. Sofia Vergara is nominated for ‘Griselda.'”

Leguizamo reflected on his childhood in New York City, noting the lack of on-screen representation for Latino actors and instances of brownface in classic films. “I saw a lot of brownface,” he said.

“I saw Marlon Brando play a Mexican in ‘Viva Zapata!’ and Al Pacino played Cuban gangster Tony Montana and Natalie Wood played a Puerto Rican beauty named Maria,” he said.

“Everybody played us,” Leguizamo pressed. “But we need more stories from excluded groups: Black, Asian, Jewish, Arab, LGBTQ+ and disabled. And this show tonight is proof that our industry is making progress,” he later added.

Leguizamo also discussed his advocacy for greater representation of people of color, including a full-page ad in the New York Times urging the Television Academy to consider more candidates of color.

Leguizamo is among a number of critics who feel the term “DEI” has been used disparagingly by some conservatives to undermine the achievements of marginalized groups.