'Butler' Director Lee Daniels Thinks America Is More Racist With Black President in Office (Video)

Lee Daniels, the director of "Lee Daniels' the Butler," told Piers Morgan on Monday night that he thinks America has become more racist since Barack Obama -- that nation's first black president -- has come into office.

"I think that people are angry that he's president," Daniels said. "And I think that they are showing their true colors."

Also read: 'Lee Daniels' The Butler' Review: A Mass-Audience-Friendly Portrayal of Racism's Legacy

Morgan had asked the director whether the country has become "more or less racist" since Obama was elected in 2008. After referencing the death of Trayvon Martin, and subsequent acquittal of the teenager's killer, George Zimmerman, he concluded: "Sadly, I think so."

He noted that "when Danny Strong wrote those words, 'Any black man could be killed by any white man and get away with it,' Trayvon Martin had not happened," Daniels said. "I end the movie with hope. He's walking down and Obama's giving that famous speech.

"And then I come out of my edit room and Trayvon Martin has happened."

See video: Bill O'Reilly Thinks Oprah's 'Critics Are Severely Misguided' in Racist Handbag Flap

Daniels' film opened No. 1 at the box office over the weekend, grossing $24.6 million on mostly positive reviews. Forest Whitaker stars as the title character leading the ensemble cast including Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Terrence Howard, James Marsden, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Lenny Kravitz.

Gooding Jr. and Kravitz appeared alongside Daniels on "Piers Morgan Tonight." Watch the segment below:

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