Matt Walsh’s latest documentary, Am I Racist?, has taken a bold stance against the growing influence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and its message seems to be resonating. Released on September 13, 2024, the film has quickly climbed the box office charts, securing a spot in the top 10 across the U.S. just days after its premiere. Produced by The Daily Wire, the conservative media outlet led by Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing, the film has already grossed $9 million in just ten days, making it the highest-grossing documentary of the year.
The film takes a satirical approach to DEI initiatives, which have become a controversial topic in American workplaces, schools, and even Hollywood. Walsh uses a Borat-style undercover approach, portraying a liberal professor and engaging directly with DEI experts. Through this, he exposes what many on the right see as the absurdity and hypocrisy of the DEI industry.
You must watch this!
Matt Walsh tricks ABC into giving him airtime while posing as a DEI expert!!!
ABC found itself in a difficult situation after being duped by conservative commentator Matt Walsh during the promotion of his new film, Am I Racist? Walsh tricked the network… pic.twitter.com/K9UTvuPwNj
— Derek Wayne (@DerekWayne1816) September 14, 2024
In its opening weekend, Am I Racist? ranked as the third-highest-grossing film in the U.S., surpassing some major studio releases, despite being shown in fewer theaters. The film initially opened in 1,500 theaters nationwide, far fewer than typical Hollywood blockbusters, yet managed to pull in millions, out-earning The Killer’s Game from Lionsgate.
While the film has enjoyed significant box office success, it has faced heavy opposition from left-leaning activists and even some theaters. Walsh and The Daily Wire claim that certain cinemas pulled the film from their screens due to threats from activists who oppose its message. One such instance occurred at the Del Oro Theater in California, which removed the film citing "concerns for the well-being" of its staff after receiving demands from activists to cancel screenings.
For all his boomerisms Matt Walsh throws out some gems from time to time. Here he shows an altogether better understanding than Rogan on what it takes for a civilization to endeavor to do great things. Joe seems to think you can boot strap the monumental task of space exploration… pic.twitter.com/07EbuTTC81
— Dead Man Red (@i_forklift) September 19, 2024
Despite this resistance, the film has garnered widespread support from conservative audiences, earning a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Mainstream critics have largely ignored the film, with only four critics submitting reviews, all of which were positive.
The film’s success comes at a time when the future of DEI programs is under increasing scrutiny. Several major corporations, like Harley-Davidson and John Deere, have recently scaled back their DEI efforts in response to pressure from conservative activists. The release of Am I Racist? taps into this broader cultural pushback, positioning itself as a rallying cry against what Walsh and his supporters see as an overreach by the woke establishment.
Am I Racist? is Walsh’s second major documentary release following the success of What Is A Woman?, which also challenged progressive ideologies on gender and identity. With Am I Racist?, Walsh continues to solidify his place as a leading voice in the conservative movement’s efforts to challenge the prevailing narratives on race, equity, and social justice in America.
For now, *Am I Racist?* remains a key talking point in the ongoing culture war, with its box office performance proving that there's a large audience for conservative-leaning films that challenge the status quo.Matt Walsh's latest film is undeniably making waves.
