Hollywood is once again embroiled in controversy, this time involving renowned rapper 50 Cent, actor Denzel Washington, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The drama unfolded when actress Taraji P. Henson accused Oprah of exploitation, particularly highlighting the financial disparity she faced while working on the film The Color Purple.

In a recent interview on Gayle King’s SiriusXM show, Henson revealed her frustration over being underpaid for her role in the upcoming film. Despite her success in Hollywood, Henson has not seen a salary increase in the last six years since her role in Proud Mary. She expressed her disappointment with Oprah, who she believed would offer a fair wage as a fellow Black woman. This revelation sparked a wave of support and criticism, with many pointing to systemic issues of pay disparity and inequality faced by Black actors in the industry.

Henson’s candidness about the struggles of Black actors resonated with many, including 50 Cent, who quickly came to her defense. The rapper reposted an article about the situation on Instagram, expressing his support for Henson and even offering to collaborate with her on future projects. This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has criticized Oprah; he has a history of speaking out against what he perceives as her exploitation of Black talent to build her empire.

The tension between 50 Cent and Oprah dates back to the early 2000s when 50 Cent was rising in the hip-hop scene. He had hoped to appear on Oprah’s show to improve his public image, but Oprah allegedly rejected the idea, leading 50 Cent to accuse her of being against hip-hop culture. This rejection fueled a long-standing rift between the two, with 50 Cent even going as far as naming his dog after Oprah and his cat after her close friend, Gayle King.

Other Black actors, including Gabrielle Union and Keke Palmer, have echoed Henson’s sentiments, speaking out about the challenges they face in Hollywood. The controversy highlights a broader issue within the industry, where Black actors often have to fight harder for fair compensation and recognition.

Denzel Washington also found himself at the center of a related controversy when leaked emails from Sony Pictures suggested that Black actors should not be cast in leading roles to appeal to a global audience. This revelation underscored the systemic racism and bias that still permeates Hollywood.

The controversy has sparked a larger conversation about equality and pay equity in the entertainment industry, with many calling for those in power, like Oprah, to use their influence to address these longstanding issues. As the drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Hollywood will respond to these allegations and what impact they will have on the industry moving forward.