In recent weeks, Oprah Winfrey has faced growing criticism from Black actors and actresses, including major figures like 50 Cent and Denzel Washington, who accuse her of mistreating Black artists in the entertainment industry. These allegations center on claims that Oprah has underpaid Black actors, notably highlighted by actress Taraji P. Henson. Taraji, known for her roles in films such as The Color Purple and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, has voiced frustrations over low pay and discriminatory practices. During an emotional interview, Taraji’s remarks drew attention to Oprah’s alleged failure to financially support Black talent adequately, despite her prominent role as a producer in Black-centered projects.

This controversy gained momentum as more Black celebrities joined the conversation. 50 Cent and Denzel Washington, both highly respected in their fields, have publicly supported Taraji and other Black actors, calling out Oprah’s actions. In particular, Denzel has long advocated for racial equality in Hollywood and criticized the industry’s tendency to push Black actors into roles that conflict with their values. His stance against the systemic racism present in Hollywood has resonated with many, and his willingness to challenge Oprah underscores the severity of the issue.

The tension surrounding Oprah also extends to other high-profile Black artists. For instance, Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique has been embroiled in a long-standing feud with Oprah, Tyler Perry, and Lee Daniels. Mo’Nique claims she was blacklisted in Hollywood after refusing to participate in unpaid promotional campaigns for her film Precious. This alleged blacklisting has significantly impacted her career, and despite her success, she continues to call for a public apology from Oprah and others.

Adding fuel to the fire, 50 Cent has also taken aim at Oprah, accusing her of selectively targeting Black men in her public criticisms, particularly regarding sexual misconduct allegations. He argues that while Oprah has produced documentaries about Black men accused of misconduct, such as Russell Simmons, she has not done the same for prominent white figures like Harvey Weinstein, raising concerns about bias and selective advocacy.

The criticism has highlighted the complexity of Oprah’s influence in Hollywood. Once seen as a champion for racial justice, Oprah is now being questioned for her role in perpetuating inequality, even within the Black community. As these accusations continue to surface, the entertainment industry is forced to confront the difficult questions about race, power, and fairness in its treatment of Black artists.