Mo’Nique has stirred up significant controversy online after publicly criticizing Taraji P. Henson for allegedly being subservient to Oprah Winfrey and allowing her to control the narrative. The incident began when Taraji exposed Oprah for underpaying her for her role in The Color Purple. Initially, Taraji stood firm in her criticism, sharing that she was nearly forced to turn down the role due to the disrespectfully low pay Oprah offered. Taraji also mentioned that she had not seen a raise in her salary since her 2018 movie, Proud Mary.
Despite this, Mo’Nique was disappointed when Taraji seemed to backtrack on her criticism and began praising Oprah once again. According to sources close to Mo’Nique, she believes Taraji is too weak to stand up against Oprah, contrasting this with her own experience of being blackballed by Oprah and Tyler Perry for speaking out against their treatment of her. Mo’Nique has made it clear that she has little respect for Taraji’s actions, believing she compromised her integrity and failed to support other Black actresses facing similar issues.
The situation became even more complicated when Taraji gave an interview with Oprah’s close friend, Gayle King, where she again criticized the Hollywood industry’s treatment of Black women, particularly when it comes to pay. Taraji expressed frustration over working hard for years only to be paid a fraction of what she deserves, and hinted that she was considering stepping away from acting due to these issues. This interview garnered sympathy from many who supported Taraji’s willingness to speak out against powerful figures in the industry.
However, the tide quickly turned when Taraji posted a photo of herself with Oprah, calling her a “beacon of light” and praising her for being supportive during the Color Purple press tour. This sudden change in tone did not sit well with many, who felt Taraji had allowed herself to be swayed by Oprah, undermining her earlier statements about unfair treatment. Some speculated that Oprah might have threatened Taraji or finally offered her fair compensation to secure her loyalty.
Mo’Nique’s criticism of Taraji stems from a deep sense of betrayal, as she feels Taraji’s actions undermine the struggles of other Black actresses who have been underpaid and mistreated in the industry. While some believe Taraji may have been coerced into her change of heart, others are disappointed in her for not standing firm in her criticism of Oprah. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of power and loyalty in Hollywood, particularly for Black women who are fighting for fair treatment and recognition.
