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Some conservatives have used the term “DE&I” as a slur in recent months, in an attempt to get corporations to abandon their initiatives and demoralize workers from underrepresented communities.
But one Hollywood actor just took the term back, and put it center stage.
John Leguizamo, whose portrayal of Sid the sloth in the Ice Age movies stole hearts and made him a household voice, turned the focus to DE&I during the Emmy Awards on Sept. 15.
In a speech honoring the year’s Latino nominees, he referred to himself as a Hollywood DE&I hire. “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 DE&I hires.”
Leguizamo also talked about seeing brownface on screen, instead of people of color playing themselves, when he was growing up, and the importance of representation. “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.”
Since its inception, Hollywood has struggled with a lack of diversity on screen; in few industries has the lack of—and fight for—diversity been so clear.
Daisy Auger-Dominguez, an HR leader, DE&I expert, and author, emphasized the impact of Leguizamo’s remarks. They “were a powerful reminder of how culture and visibility shape the future of work,” she told HR Brew via email. “His focus on DE&I wasn’t just a passing mention; it was a call to action, encouraging us to rethink the true impact of representation.”
Leguizamo’s comments also serve as a reminder to HR leaders and DE&I practitioners of the importance of their work, as they navigate an uncertain environment in which some call DE&I into question or stay silent.
“It reaffirmed that our work—often behind the scenes, often under attack—is far from in vain,” she said. “Leguizamo’s comments remind us that DEI isn’t just a corporate or organizational initiative—it’s a widespread cultural movement that deserves our investment and sustained efforts.”
