Spike Lee Blasts Critics at TIFF Tribute Awards for Initially Suggesting ‘Do the Right Thing’ Would Incite Riots
variety.comSpike Lee blasted critics who suggested that “Do The Right Thing” would spark riots when it opened in 1989, while honoring one of the reviewers who came to the film’s defense.
The remarks came as Lee received the Ebert Director Award, named for the late film critic Roger Ebert, at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards on Sunday. “Your husband got behind me when those mother f–kers in the press were saying that ‘Do the Right Thing’ was going to incite Black people to riot,” Lee said, as he accepted his prize from Chaz Ebert, the late critic’s wife. “That this film should not be shown in the United States.” Lee cited David Denby and Joe Klein as two of the most prominent critical voices against the film, which has gone to be considered one of the greatest films ever made.
The pair wrote, Lee recalled, that readers should “hope to God that this doesn’t open in your neighborhood.” He went on to note, “The struggle still continues.
It’s not an even playing field.” The Oscar winner wasn’t the only bold-faced name at the dais, even if few could match his passion.
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