In a world where the fight for equal pay and fair treatment continues to rage on, two prominent Black actresses, Taraji P. Henson and Monique, have recently joined forces against a powerful figure in the entertainment industry: Oprah Winfrey. The partnership between these two women sheds light on the persistent struggles faced by Black actresses in Hollywood, including wage inequality and the emotional toll of being undervalued. Their fight, however, has come as a surprise to many, given Oprah’s reputation as a media mogul and advocate for Black women. But as new revelations emerge, it appears that Oprah’s actions may not align with the ideals she publicly champions.
Taraji’s Struggle for Equal Pay
Taraji P. Henson, known for her roles in movies like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the TV show Empire, has been vocal about the challenges she has faced in the industry. Despite her decades of experience, Taraji has struggled to receive compensation that matches her talent and hard work. In a recent interview, she revealed that during negotiations for her role in Benjamin Button, she was initially offered only $100,000, a paltry sum considering her status as the third lead in the film. After negotiating, she was able to raise her fee to $150,000. However, after taxes and paying her team, she was left with only $40,000, a fraction of what her white co-stars received.
This is not an isolated incident for Taraji. She has consistently faced obstacles when it comes to getting paid what she deserves, often being lowballed by producers and directors. While many fans thought that working with Oprah on The Color Purple would be different, the situation only worsened when Taraji revealed that she nearly walked away from the project after Oprah attempted to underpay her. This came as a shock to the public, as many had expected Oprah, a Black woman with immense wealth and influence, to support and uplift other Black women in the industry. However, it appears that Oprah may not be as committed to empowering her sisters as previously thought.
Monique’s Battle with Oprah
Monique, another talented Black actress, has been in conflict with Oprah for years. The tension between the two dates back to their work on the film Precious, where Monique was asked to do an unpaid press tour to promote the movie. Monique refused, stating that she had fulfilled her contractual obligations and didn’t see why she should do additional work without compensation. Oprah, however, took offense to Monique’s refusal and allegedly blacklisted her in Hollywood, tarnishing her reputation as difficult to work with.
The betrayal went even deeper when Oprah invited Monique’s family onto her talk show without her consent. Monique had been open about the fact that she was sexually abused by her brother as a child, and her family had chosen to side with her abuser. Despite knowing this, Oprah brought Monique’s family on the show, further deepening the wound. For Monique, this felt like a personal attack from someone she had once considered a friend and ally.
A United Front
Taraji and Monique’s decision to join forces against Oprah marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about equal pay and fair treatment in Hollywood. Both women have experienced firsthand the struggles of being Black actresses in an industry that often undervalues and exploits their talent. While Oprah has long been seen as a champion for Black women, these incidents suggest that her actions may not always align with her public persona.
In their quest for justice, Taraji and Monique are not alone. The Black community, including fellow actresses like Gabrielle Union and Octavia Spencer, have voiced their support. Gabrielle Union retweeted Taraji’s interview, stating that everything Taraji said was true, and highlighting the toll that fighting for equal pay takes on one’s health, soul, and career. Octavia Spencer, another Black actress who has had to fight for fair compensation, revealed that she had to enlist the help of her white co-star Jessica Chastain to get paid five times more than what producers initially offered.
A Broader Movement
The fight for equal pay extends beyond Taraji and Monique. In 2014, Beyoncé wrote an essay for the Shriver Report, calling for men and women to demand equal pay for women. She emphasized that equality would only be achieved when women, particularly women of color, are compensated fairly for their work. Angela Bassett, another iconic Black actress, echoed this sentiment in a 2018 interview, expressing frustration over the persistent pay gap between male and female actors, as well as the lack of value placed on women’s work.
While the entertainment industry has made some progress in recent years, with more conversations about diversity and inclusion, the reality is that Black women continue to face significant barriers. Taraji and Monique’s decision to speak out against Oprah is not just about their personal grievances, but about the broader fight for justice and equality in Hollywood.
The Road Ahead
As Taraji and Monique continue their battle, it remains to be seen whether Oprah will address the allegations against her. Regardless, their decision to unite and stand up against a figure as powerful as Oprah sends a powerful message: Black women in Hollywood will no longer stay silent about the injustices they face. They are demanding what they deserve, and they are not afraid to challenge even the most revered figures in the industry to achieve it.
This fight is bigger than Taraji and Monique—it is about creating a future where Black actresses are paid fairly, respected, and valued for their contributions to the entertainment world.
