"Empire" co-creator Lee Daniels seemed to be beyond furious after his hit series failed to earn a nomination in the Emmy Awards on Thursday. In his disappointment, the 55-year-old film producer-director took to Instagram and dropped an expletive-filled slur over "Empire's" Emmy snub.
Lee Daniels' "Empire" was the highest-rated new series to be developed in more than 10 years with increasing number of viewers each week. According to Variety, the show had been considered a contender in the best drama category along with lead actor Terrence Howard. Unfortunately, the series failed to make it to the nominations' list despite Fox's heavy efforts in campaigning for the show.
Due to the unexpected snub, Lee Daniels used bad language to express his thoughts on the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences after his "Empire" did not snag a nomination in the Outstanding Drama Series category, The Wrap noted.
In the controversial video posted on Instagram, with accompanying hashtags #canfinallypostthis, #timetoberealagain and #emmyniceguyotherwith, Daniels asked Jussie Smollett what people really want to see, before saying that he has "to be politically correct on Instagram."
While the pair enjoyed a good laugh, Smollett said, "You have to be nice!" But Daniels' "nicely" responded, "F--k these motherf--kers!"
As Lee Daniels expressed his dismay through an expletive-filled slur, E! News reported that the "Empire" co-creator has previously showed his "nice guy" persona after he congratulated actress Taraji P. Henson and costume designer Paolo Nieddu for their respective nominations though a different Intagram video posts.
"Taraji, woo woo, baby," Daniels said. "That's what I'm talking about! Congratulations. Now bring that mother home for big daddy. Bring it home! I love you."
After Lee Daniels' f-bomb-heavy video caused a major buzz online, the "Empire" creator posted another video shutting up all haters, ET Online revealed.
"Some of these people ain't got nothin' better to do than to hate on me for having fun," he said in a new video. "I was having fun. I love the Emmys and I'm excited about the cast and crew that got nominated and for the other people that got nominated for Emmys."
"So haters, shut up and go to bed!" Daniels concluded.
Meanwhile, catch "The Primetime Emmy Awards" on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. While "Empire" Season 2 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 9 p.m. ET.
