John Leguizamo says he's a 'DEI hire' at Emmys as he slams industry's representation efforts

John Leguizamo made a powerful statement at the 2024 Emmy Awards as he called himself a "DEI hire" as he slammed the industry's portrayal of Latinx actors.

During the 76th Emmy Awards, the former Romeo and Juliet star went on a passionate speech discussing diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. The stand-up comedian kicked off his speech joking that he was one of Hollywood’s DEI (Diversity, equity and inclusion) hires. He said: "The D is for diligence, the E is for excellence, the I is for imagination. Everyone in this room tonight has dedicated their lives to diligence, excellence and imagination."

The film producer went on to touch on a number of issues Latinx actors have faced over the years including a lack representation on-screen and recognition during award ceremonies. In his thorough speech, the former Ice Age star listed a number of times the industry failed to cast Latinx actors to play Latinx characters from Al Pacino in 'Scarface' to Natalie Wood in 'West Side Story.'

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"Everybody played us, except us. I didn't see a lot of people on TV that looked like me," Leguizamo said. He continued: "I didn't complain about the limited roles my people were offered: the spicy sex pot, the Latin lover, the maid, the gang banger. Turns out, not complaining doesn't change anything."

John went on to reveal that he ran a full-page ad in The New York Times encouraging Emmy Award voters to choose non-white nominees that was displayed on the screen. And as he admitted that Hollywood was a long ways from resolving deep-seeded racial issues in the industry, there has been enormous strides made specifically in this years' Emmy Award nominees and award winners.

"What I see here tonight makes me, well, almost happy and certainly less angry, because tonight is among the most diverse list of nominees in me history," Leguizamo said. "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."

Leguizamo wrapped up his speech by giving a special shoutout to his "incredibly talented Latinx brothers and sisters" including actress Selena Gomez for her iconic performance in Only Murders in the Building and Liza Colón-Zayas for her role in The Bear. After the moving speech, fans took to X, formerly Twitter, showcasing their love and support for Leguizamo.

One supporter penned: " John Leguizamo is speaking some powerful truth to power about about what it’s been like for Latinos and actors of color. This is IT." And another added: " John Leguizamo speaking the absolute truth on representation." And a third agreed: " This John Leguizamo segment has me crying. Such beautiful diversity in the crowd tonight and I love that he also mentioned LGBT+ and Indigenous nominees. Intersectional representation means everything."

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