Story highlights "And you know that I know that you know that the system is rigged! For too long we've given our votes to corporate puppets," Lee said

"Bernie takes no money from corporations. Nada," Lee said

Washington (CNN) Director Spike Lee endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in an ad telling South Carolina voters to "Wake up!"

"This is your dude, Spike Lee. And you know that I know that you know that the system is rigged! For too long we've given our votes to corporate puppets. Sold the okie doke. Ninety-nine percent of Americans were hurt by the Great Recession of 2008, and many are still recovering," Lee said in the ad released Tuesday. "That's why I am officially endorsing my brother, Bernie Sanders."



L

ee made his directorial debut 30 years ago with "She's Gotta Have It" and has since become a prominent voice in Hollywood for releasing movies examining race relations, urban issues as well as broader political topics.

He is known for weighing in on current issues including Hurricane Katrina, police brutality in urban communities and the diversity issues in media.

Lee, an Academy Award nominee, has also been on the front lines in the recent conversation about the lack of diversity in Oscar nominees.

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