Taraji P. Henson took to Instagram to share an appreciation post for Oprah Winfrey to diffuse any false narratives or chatter about there being tension between them.
While doing press for the highly anticipated Warner Bros. film, Taraji has been very vocal about her frustrations with being underpaid as a Black actress in Hollywood.
“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do and getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson said.
In a recent interview, Taraji P. Henson broke down in tears as she opened up about reaching her breaking point.
Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired. I’m tired. It wears on you.
What does that mean? What is that telling me? If I can’t fight for them coming up behind me then what the f— am I doing?
When Taraji shared that she almost walked away from her role as “Shug Avery” in the forthcoming film, The Color Purple, all eyes shifted to executive producer, Oprah Winfrey.
Related: Watch As Oprah Shows Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, & H.E.R. ‘The Color Purple’ Trailer For The First Time
Social media users were quick to accuse Oprah of not doing her due diligence in making sure the gifted Black actresses in the cast were paid handsomely.
Some even went as far as to point out the alleged weird energy between Taraji and Oprah while on the press tour.
Taraji P. Henson attempted to quiet the noise by publicly expressing her gratitude to Oprah for her “encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support.”
It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other.
It is also imperative to have women of color in decision-making positions across ALL industries.
Thank you for responding to my message with the compassion, understanding, and support that I’ve received.💜🙏🏾💜
With that being said…
Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!
She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.
She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did!
It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.
Thank You Ms. @OPRAH For ALL That You Do 💜💜💜
See Taraji’s original post for Oprah below.
I commend Taraji P. Henson for breaking her silence and ringing the alarm on the ridiculous pay disparity experienced by Black actresses in Hollywood.
Related: Taraji P. Henson Breaks Down In Tears As She Discussing Hitting Her Breaking Point With Being Underpaid In Hollywood
I also appreciate her for reminding everyone of the importance of Black women supporting each other.
The Color Purple opens in theaters on Christmas Day.
Do you plan to see the film?
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