Empire creator Lee Daniels has said he was just “having fun” when he issued a foul-mouthed response after his show missed out on a crucial Emmy nomination.

The musical drama, which airs on Channel 4 in the UK, received three Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Taraji P Henson, and two for costume design, although it was snubbed in the Outstanding Drama Series category.

The cast of Empire
The cast of Empire (Fox)

After the announcement was made, Lee – who co-created the show with Danny Strong – posted video messages congratulating nominees Taraji and costume designer Paolo Nieddu on Instagram.

He then shared a video of himself with actor Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal Lyon, saying: “Jussie’s saying I have to be politically correct on Instagram… F*** these motherf******.”

“#canfinallypostthis #timetoberealagain #emmyniceguyoverwith @jussiesmollett,” he wrote alongside the post.

The 55-year-old filmmaker, who also directed The Butler, The Paperboy and Precious, later clarified his comments after being criticised for his comments, saying he “loves the Emmys” and has nothing but good wishes for the nominations that his show received and others.

Empire aired its series one finale on Monday, with the second series due to return to UK screens in the autumn.