If you haven’t heard by now, Spike Lee has turned to the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to raise $1.25 million to make his new film, which he’s described as a ‘psychological bloody thriller.’ Since launching his campaign 11 days ago, Lee as amassed more than 2,400 financial backers, raised $508,000, and still has 19 days to go. Sounds great right?

However, Lee’s Kickstarter success has also generated strong criticism from the media. Yesterday the 56-year-old filmmaker made an appearance on Bloomberg TV’s Street Smart and had a heated debate about the backlash he’s recieved for using Kickstarter.

Street Smart host Trish Regan started out the segment saying “Do the Right Thing… that’s what many are saying to Spike Lee as they call on the fame director to end his new Kickstarter campaign.” Lee then interrupted Regan asking, “why would you open like that. Why would you open like that?” “First of all, you don’t know how much money I have,” the Malcolm X director shot back. “You’ve never seen me before in your life.”