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Tyler Perry says 'REFUSE HATE' for Asian, Mexican or LGBTQ at Oscars 2021, fans want him to run for president

On winning the Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the actor had some strong words for America on hate

Actor, director, and producer Tyler Perry had strong words for America at the 2021 Academy Awards. Perry, who won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, strongly condemned hate during his brief, but powerful, acceptance speech.

"It is my hope that all of us would teach our kids just to refuse hate," he said. He received applause from the crowd for saying, "I refuse to hate someone because they are Asian, Mexican, or Black, White, or LGBTQ". Picking up his award, he said, "I want to dedicate it to anyone who wants to stand in the middle... to refuse hate, refuse blanket judgment, this one is for you too". You can watch the full 53-second speech if you missed it.

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The award is named after Danish-American screen actor and humanitarian Jean Hersholt. It is given out periodically by the Academy, with the voting restricted to the Board of Governors of the AMPAS. To date, there have been 39 recipients of the award, including Angelina Jolie in 2013, Oprah Winfrey in 2011, Audrey Hepburn in 1992, and Frank Sinatra in 1970. In 2019, Geena Davis was honored with the award for her work with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to increase female representation in Hollywood.

Perry was honored with the award for his humanitarian efforts during the pandemic. As reported by Variety, "Perry was one of the first major Hollywood players to tackle the pandemic head-on, developing Camp Quarantine, a multi-step plan to get production up and running". He also helped destigmatize the vaccine, by getting it on camera and talking to doctors. 

It wasn't just attendees, but all those watching the awards on TV that were also moved by Perry's words. Shortly after his speech, 'Tyler Perry' began trending on Twitter, with users full of praise for the actor.

'Best speech. Like anywhere, in a long long time'

"My God but #tylerperry gave a wonderful speech. I’ve never been a big fan of his, but what he said was EVERYTHING" one user tweeted. Another said, "@tylerperry makes me want to not only be a better writer and creator, but to be a better person. Congrats good sir on the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award".

One user tweeted, "@tylerperry brought priceless words tonight- this man just single-handed my lifted my hope in humanity." Another called his speech, "I think Tyler Perry just made the best speech. Like anywhere, in a long long time."

Another proclaimed, "Not only does Tyler Perry deserve the #Oscars2021 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, he needs to think about running for political office. A lot of us would vote for him." That call was echoed by Amy Gumenick, who tweeted, "@tylerperry for President".

One person said, "@tylerperry Fantastic speech...you are one of my favorite humans...would meet in the middle anytime, any place...love you man". Another reacted to the speech and tweeted, "Tyler Perry made me cry. Outstanding speech".

Perry was presented with the award by Viola Davis, and his speech is no doubt a vital reality check America needed. While his run for political office may seem like a distant dream, we can't say we are surprised to see the calls following the moving speech.

The official Academy Awards preshow, ‘Oscars: Into the Spotlight’ began airing on ABC at 6:30 pm ET. With Ariana DeBose and Lil Rel Howery as hosts, it offered a behind-the-scenes look at the big night with red carpet coverage and interviews. The main ceremony started at 8 PM ET on ABC.