John Leguizamo Flips Script On Right-Wing 'DEI Hire' Insult At Emmys

The actor, who has advocated for more diversity and representation at the Television Academy, delivered an impassioned speech.

John Leguizamo delivered a searing speech about diversity and representation during the 2024 Emmys on Sunday night.

While presenting onstage, Leguizamo began his remarks by calling himself one of “Hollywood’s DEI hires.”

“That’s right, DEI: the ‘D’ is for diligence, the ‘E’ is for excellence, the ‘I’ is for imagination,” he said. “Everyone in this room tonight has dedicated their lives to diligence, excellence and imagination, so we all are DEI hires.”

The Latino actor then talked about growing up in New York City and not seeing people who looked like him onscreen.

“I saw a lot of brownface. 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.”