Taraji P. Henson May Quit Acting Over Pay, Treatment in the Entertainment Industry 

Monique was 💯% correct when she decided to speak on this issue...💪🏽

Who else came straight here after watching mo’nique’s interview on Shay Shay

All I heard the director say is “we may not pay you what you’re worth but at least your work will inspire people throughout the nation” which is proving her point. Taraji KNOWS she can inspire people, hell. Look at all of years of experience she has. She should be paid based off of her VALUE. Giving her flowers does not pay the bills!

I believe that Taraji is very courageous for speaking up about fair pay for all black women - not just in show business, but in the work industry. I hope that we get our proper recognition and pay. All the best.

She hasn’t looked happy this entire press tour. I’m not sure people understand how bad this really is. Taraji is incredibly graceful and private. For her to cry like this before the public is heartbreaking and concerning.

After reading these comments. Y’all don’t know this but black women work 10x harder in the entertainment industry. Taraji was making $175,000 episode and Terrence was making $325,000. And he complaining about his pay. 😂 She was the main character on the show and the views was higher than big bang theory. She would have to make 6 episodes of empire to make one episode of big bang theory salary. Angela Bassett makes $450,000 per episode on 9-1-1 make her the highest paid black women on television in 2022 😒while white women was fighting for $600,000 -$1 million back in 1998. Black women never get treated right in television industry. And they both was on top tv shows in America.

Who's here after that interview with Mo~nique in club Shay Shay

When Mo spoke out she was immediately labeled as "hard to work with", "a loud mouth", always complaining! And that was by our own people! When you are a pioneer you have to be tough skinned but we are all human and 20+ years in the game is tough but that is what America has done to OUR generational wealth! I love your work Taraji!! Any movie you are in I immediately watch it! Love Viola and Angela Bassett! Y'all are #1 in my eyesight!

I'm a white Slavic woman from Poland, and I love Taraji. She's a great actress. SHE DOES TRANSLATE OVERSEAS. I also love black movies, black shows, Tyler Perry, the whole Best Man franchise - why wouldn't it translate? The whole world was watching Empire. This is ridiculous, and painful, that someone would think that Taraji's acting wouldn't translate. Denzel's does, why not hers? Talent is talent. It's just crazy and painful.

This lady is TIRED. I felt her. No matter what, when you’re getting treated differently and you know you’re working hard and GETTING PAID less…That will break you.. Edit: a lot of you guys are missing the point. regardless if she’s a millionaire or not…when you’re not getting paid what YOU’RE worth and less than your YT counterparts you will be affected. A lot of yall seem upset that these celebrities are mad about their pay but it’s their money…You would be mad too if the shoe was on the other foot.

This isn't a "rich people problems" issue. This is a Global issue for black women-especially in the states. You know your worth, you know your talent, you know your skill. Yet your counterparts and those who haven't put in nearly as much work and experience as you, walk through the door brand new. I definitely can relate.

Taraji deserves whatever she ask for. She has proven herself time and time again and she shows up and shows out EVERYTIME‼️💯

I can’t even afford to go to a movie. Yet yes, I completely understand how it feels to be undervalued, unseen, and not appreciated. Love you Taraji.

She's brilliant and definitely doesn't get the recognition and pay that she deserves ! Please don't quit Taraji. The World needs you

We see you Taraji from Nigeria. And we love you

I cried with her as she shed those tears as I am an African American Woman who has been in corporate America for 30 years being significantly underpaid in comparison to my white counterparts. During this time of extreme inflation and a single mother to a special needs child, this topic is beyond personal and deeply painful. When does it end or will it ever? Nevertheless, fight we must😢

When Mo'Nique was out there saying the EXACT SAME THING all the black women should have rallied behind her. They let her stand out there on her own and look crazy. Also take your own money and write and produce your OWN stuff.

As a black female engineer this resonated with me. Black women no matter what industry are so disrespected and underpaid. The goal post is always moving. Who is an ally for the black women?

I watch Taraji's movies in India and love her each time. She shouldn't cry, she is blessed with our admiration.

One of the most prolific, talented female actresses of our time, her rain scene on hidden figures brought me to tears as a guy.. She deserves way more than this... We need to start building our own.

Mo'nique was damn near black-balled for speaking up about this YEARS AGO! Didn't hear or see a single soul in the industry back her up. She's literally been speaking up about the unfairness of pay towards black women specifically within the industry. Instead everyone there let the world believe she was crazy. She's probably watching this like "I tried to tell y'all 🤷🏾‍♀️"

Everyone should listen to this woman's message. We all feel the pain of what Taraji is saying. I work in corporate America and in a field where not many people look like me. I felt the strain in her voice, the exhaustion! I have to mentally prepare myself each day to deal with the mess.

To see this as a black woman is very connecting Hmm and the fact that we are treated unfairly because for our hard work and integrity and intelligence and sacrifices is literally burning my heart that these talented woman are hurting

Ms. Taraji P. Henson, you have always been that woman for US. You look, talk, express, represent, exalt, relate, and beautify US! Thank you, queen!

I appreciate her realness and her breaking it down about this black actress industry

This is heartbreaking. The other sad thing is as a writer no matter how talented you are sometimes it's almost impossible to get past the gatekeepers.

Not gonna let Taraji go out like this. TARAJI, Vivica A Fox has got a hustle game going that's out of this world. From Soul Train to music videos to major motion pictures to wigs. She's got product lines. She's got books. She's got productions. I believe she's directing. She had a talk show. She had a reality acting show or something. There's no boundary or frontier. She stays getting $$ and leverages her brand to fund more projects. Janet was sidelined in music, she did films and wrote a book. Rihanna taking a break from music, but she's got a makeup line. Kim Fields has a show, but she also directs and has a line of gourmet coffee and tea. Now think really hard about what you do well. Think about every project you've completed, the training, the research, the hours you put in. And then get to hustlin hustlin, everyday hustlin. I have a list for you to look over: You wrote a biography. Can you write the Black Girl's Guide to Hollywood? You did a Liftetime Movie. Can you write and pitch screenplays to Lifetime? You did a movie about golf and another about mathematics. Can you sponsor one or more of these clubs at high schools or HBCUs? You have a hair care line. Can you add body products, nail polish, jewelry? You were Cookie Lyon. Can you run a line of gourmet cookies, chocolates, candies? You like to talk. Can you do a talk show? Can you narrate animation and documentaries? You featured in music videos. Can you story board, direct, produce music videos? You're a singer. Can you write lyrics? Can you produce demos? Can you release an EP? You have thirty years acting experience. Can you create an online acting course? Can you establish a reality show acting competition? Can you teach drama at any number of HBCUs? You've filmed overseas. Can you explore opportunities with Bollywood and Nollywood? Your name is unusual, but recognizable. Build your brand stronger! Then re-approach with leverage.

I've loved Taraji since Baby Boy, I really believe she deserves so much more than she is getting.

That “I’m just tired” broke my heart. I feel her sentiments. I hopes she find peace with the industry. It isn’t for the faint of heart.❤️

I love how passionate Taraji’s ALWAYS been about black women in entertainment getting their due. It’s coming! And for the non-nuanced thinkers saying “she’s making x million what’s she crying for?”’. She works in a multi billion dollar industry where she’s see ppl doing the SAME job making 2-4x more money, not having to audition 3-4x for roles while Chalamet didn’t do anything for Wonka, and then told that she (and black ppl In general) won’t translate to overseas audiences. It’s about fairness and she’s proven she’s talented and bankable. Why should she be quiet about unfairness? By that logic, working class ppl shouldn’t fight for equal pay, unions or benefits either. Fight on Taraji!!

I love this movie. There are sooo many moments in it that felt real to me. Felt like it was telling my story or my mother, grandmother or friends story. I walked out of the theater still feeling the emotion. I cried like a baby and laughed out loud. My heart was wrapped around this film. So proud of these women. I pray that they receive everything they deserve

Monique and Taraji have one person in common and that’s Oprah. Oprah pretends to be supportive but she blackballed Monique. Oprah is a producer on Color Purple and could easily pay Taraji what she’s worth but she doesn’t.

she deserves ALL the respect. After I saw her in Benjamin Button I KNEW she was a acting gem and she definitely needs her due

I feel her. I think showing sadness vs anger is really powerful.

She is one of the best in the industry. The work and stories translates. I hate that people get cheated. The industry is so hard.

This was an immensely needed conversation‼️👏🏽👏🏽

Thank you, Taraji, for keeping it real. Everybody sees the glitz and glamour, and wants the same thing, too, without knowing the whole truth. Be encouraged, Sis.

Monique been saying this for years but nobody wanted to stand with her

Yes, you do translate overseas! They KNOW how valuable you are. They deliberately keep shortchanging you. YOU are amazing, Taraji. Keep on keeping on.

Thank you. This IS something to aspire to. Blessings to you all. This was a moment. One I needed.

Her acting in hidden figures is Oscar winning/worthy. It makes ZERO sense how she is still fighting to be paid correctly after YEARS of stellar work and credibility. Taraji is a name that brings people to the theatre/TV. What she said about fighting for the next gen and being tired is very sad.

Isn’t it interesting how so many black actors are saying the same thing Mo’Nique was saying years ago? Her approach probably rubbed people the wrong way but what just listen to what she was saying was true.

Taraji did a great job in the movie! I was very proud of her! Thank you Taraji for speaking up!…. Being a Broadway actress … when I was a single mom whew after paying just for babysitting… especially during the tech time (10 hour rehearsal days) when I was an original cast member in The Color Purple on Broadway I was struggling to buy something to wear for opening night… it can be a challenging business… when the “math isn’t mathing”… and to play the “part” on and off stage… I am EXTREMELY grateful for ALL my experiences… that’s why most of the time we grin and bear it… and to most it appears we are living the dream but honey… lol everything has a price…

Let’s keep it real! If we see ANY movie previews with Taraji in it, we are watching it!!!!!!!!!’ THE END…. I love you girl keep your head up and faith strong!! Your time is now here!!! ❤🙏

I totally understand her feelings, but the acting world needs her.

Please Taraji don't let the industry break you. I definitely feel you. Stay strong sis. I hope you don't quit we love you so much.

I love ❤️ Taraji…she’s so beautiful and talented. I felt her pain when she started crying, it’s hard to know you deserve more and are tired of fighting. Pretty sure we can all resonate with that feeling. What an amazing woman with an incredible career. ❤

Bless you Taraji, loving and praying for you and with you.💯❤👏🙏.

Poor Taraji. And she is one of the best actresses. Who said she doesn't translate overseas? She is a huge star all over the world. They are robbing her and lying to her.

I hope black America truly begins to stand up for equal pay. This happens across every industry. Corporate, business. Non profit, acting, service, music. It doesn't matter.

I am from overseas and let me tell you Taraji is well known in Europe! She’s the baddest and most talented actress ever🔥🔥 Pay that woman!!

😢 Wow, Taraji is a very strong, incredible woman. 👏🏼 She's been through a lot in life. Especially with raising her son as a single mother to pursue her career. Even though i've heard of her speaking on this before. I had never seen her break down like this. However, I am glad she did to expose the truth. 😢 I hope 🙏🏼 and pray justice is served for talented black celebrities in the industry. Especially the ones who deserve it.

I feel so much empathy for Taraji, because I know exactly how it feels to be unappreciated, unacknowledged and underpaid for all the hard work and effort you put into your work. Please don't quit Taraji, because if you do the haters will win. You are a very talented actress and your fans very much so appreciate the gift you share with us through your work!!!

She said it best on Empire. " I'm tired of getting crumbs and begging for what's rightfully mines" She wasn't getting what she deserved then. Will the unjust ever change. SMH

This is amazing Thank you 🙏🏽

I love Taraji. I first seen her in the series Person of Interest and absolutely loved her she's a great actress who makes u feel for her characters

That’s exactly how us in the lower class feels. We work so hard and barely make it. It affects everyone. It truly does.

I am not a Black woman, but I have always loved her work. Her performance in " I Can Do Bad All By Myelf " was riveting. That is only one example of many. Also, her work with mental health is life changing for so many people. This broke my heart. She is the best!

TARAJI P, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE SEEN YOU CRYING ON A SHOW, BUT EACH TIME I'M CONNECTED TO THIS PAIN IN THE VOICE OF YOUR HEART, AND I KNOW YOU'RE SO REAL. I DON'T BELIEVE IN CHANCE, YOUR TEARS ARE A SEED FOR A BETTER FUTURE. I LIKED WHEN YOU SAID, YOU WILL NOT LET ANYTHING STEAL YOUR SOUL. BE STRONG, DON’T GIVE UP. I SUPPORT YOU IN MY PRAYERS MY SISTER. LOVE YOU SO MUCH

Bless you Taraji❤❤❤. Never seen her cry, so it must be SERIOUS. She deserves to be treated well. Super talented and gracious.

She speaks for all of us who work hard at our craft and get a fraction of the economics. We have to diversify because she is right, it will steal your soul and energy. You only feel her tears if you’ve been through it. Brave times

When Taraji said and if I can't fight for the ones coming behind her...I felt that. When you do what you love and can't share the fruits of your labor, the job is just not fun anymore

I so much love this Lady Taraji that I instantly gets glued to any movie I see her face. Why should anyone treat her like this? Shame on them movie producers 👎👎

Well, I have checked Taraji's social media accounts: 21 MILLION Instagram fans, 5 MILLION Twitter fans and 11 MILLION Facebook fans. That's 37 MILLION fans... but's let's round it back to 35 MILLION. Now, if she leveraged that incredible social media group and pitched a movie project to them through crowdfunding that she would star in and produce with lots of other great Black actresses and actors, she could raise millions. If she asked her fans to donate a minimum of $10 towards the production in exchange for a digital copy of the film, she could raise $350,000,000!!! That's a bigger budget than Fast and Furious 10 or Avengers: Infinity War or Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End or Justice League or Star Wars: The Last Jedi or Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny or Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One!

Is this not what our very own Monique was talking about when she stated that her resume or her body of work she put in should be enough to get her paid what she's worth. Monique was taking a stance for the young black girls that was coming behind her too... And not only did the power that be put her down but, her very own community of people slammed her and her husband Sydney for taking that stance... While Oprah Winfrey the imposter and cancer of our people refuse to even acknowledge her... The same Oprah that has put her own self over a project that she wasn't even the lead in... to not even acknowledge Whoopi at alone is blasphemous... Oh and Let's not forget Tyler Perry and Lee Daniels as well who helped Oprah put our own sister down like she was nothing or worth anything and Black Ball her when they all knew she was telling the 100% truth? Ijs...

I truly feel this moment. Taraji is speaking for all black women in all industries. They want us to work our entire life and soul into our craft for them but only want to compensate very little for what we give. But I love what the gentleman said at the end, that what we do is sacred work. Everything he said we need to be reminded what we do is important. Taraji I see you and hear you. I appreciate your craft, I appreciate your sacred work. ❤❤❤❤

Love love love taraji!! she is one of my idols!! I hope things turn around🩷

Why did I cry?! I love Taraji SM

Unbelievable and very heartbreaking to watch. This woman's resume is extraordinary, to say the least and to watch her still have to fight just to get what she has more than rightfully has earned... SMH.. UNBELIEVABLE.

This shows that we are all on the same structured agenda. Whether an actor/actress, a factory worker, a nurse/doctor, or a restaurant worker.... we all get back less than what we give. Stay strong and keep pushing. 💪 💯

Taraji is Oscar level Talented. For her to say what she's saying makes me think that Why isn't she receiving Meryl Streep money? Taraji is worthy of every dime!! Blew my mind to hear her speak on this after 20 years of Stellar Excellent work. Crazy man!!!

Taraji what you have given to the world is priceless your gift has been overlooked by the industry yet your light shines so bright and that my dear is awesome I send well wishes and prosperous energy your way GOD IS WITHIN YOU 🙏😇❤️

It's not just the industry, it's any job. NO one can survive in this time and age. Like she said, the math ain't mathin". Food, rent, gas, and utilities are going up, but no increase in pay/wages. You can't even survive off the state required minimum wage. Shit is crazy out here.

I feel her pain. This is exactly why people go more the independent route so you don’t have to rely on the industry powers.

The crazy part is she speaking on the entertainment industry, But her gripes go across the entire spectrum when it comes to black women or black people in general in the work place!! We ALL feel ur pain baby girl✊🏾

The hard work and dedication you invest in your channel are truly commendable

My heart is with her❤i love you taraji ❤❤

*I felt Taraji's pain in my soul. So beautiful and I have followed her for years. She* *owns every role she's ever played.* 💖

I feel her pain you do get so fed up of feeling so unappreciated and she deserves her flowers 💐 because she is a hard worker and I don’t blame her because you get tired of not getting what you worked hard for and it does gets tiring I love you Taraji you are beautiful and good at what you do as a actress 🥰 and never allow the devil to tear you down God got you

This made me cry. We really don't think about what others are going through when it comes to their careers. Unbeknownst to many you suffer from abuse from your career. When you love something and when you are great at something you want to continue to do it. At times the same career you love can bring you displeasure and pain. I can relate, you wonder is this worth fighting for. At the end of the day you must chose yourself. I wish her well and peace with her desicson.

Guys … I have seen a lot of comments saying “Monique said this a long time ago” This conversation did not start with Monique. It started with Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and many more before and after them within music and movies. This has been a struggle for decades. Im certain they are all trying to to push the envelope to fairness. It’s BEEN a problem across the board.

I'm crying right now for her for them yes even for me life is so so hard when you trying to make it life make you know you can't give up you have to fight like hell 😢 but I know know that my father has my back he got me and you too so don't give up

I love you Taraji - elevating your voice and your experiences as a sister in an industry like this; has profound impact. Gracias, thank you I love ya Shug !!!!!!

It's down right horrific. I am not a actor nor actress but it's clear they go through what many of us go through. In my career field I think about where I could have been career wise if I didn't have those around me keeping their grips on my shoulder, legs, and neck to ensure I don't get the opportunities nor promotion even with all my knowledge, skill, and talents. As I watch others that have no skill, no knowledge, no talent surpass me!! This life of racism is no joke. It's a horrific nightmare for alot of us!!

She is such a force in this industry and she deserves to be paid as the remarkable talent that she is. How is she in this position?? So Crazy

Taraji is one of my favorite actors every time I see her on film my heart skips a beat because she delivers. Don’t give up Taraji!

Adding a comment to show support. Love what Taraji said! And love how the director doubled down with a powerful message. I felt that interviewer (Gayle) was ready to transition (subtlety) to another topic by what she said @3:12 but saw the director 's body language @3:17 and invited him to continue with a few words.😶 I might be wrong and be reading too much into it but that's my impression.

Cried through the entire interview, not only because they're all having to still fight despite the fact they're supposed to have 'made it' but because they have been such an inspiration to me and many other black women for so long and still aren't getting everything they deserve, it scary to think if we're ever going to receive the honour, the protection and the support from anyone else other than other black women. I hope we can create something for ourselves eventually because our worth is alot more than what anyone else gives us credit for.

This did something to my soul. As a Black woman in corporate America I have always felt this. I just hope by the time my young daughters grow into women, this will not be their reality. How many more years will it take for people with brown skin to be valued?

Yes, am sure there are many "costs" to being an actor/actress. This woman is fantastic and certainly one of the best. Not many get to where she is; She's certainly one of my favorite! If she's in it, I want to see it. Know that so many love you and your work. ❤ Thank You for what you have given us. Be happy with whatever you choose to do in life.

We Love you here in Mozambique, Africa! we love you queen

This hit my soul. Im just an ordinary Black woman who works in the Mental Health field and been working in Mental Health for 5 years and im TIRED. because ive trained people, ran a whole department when everyone else QUIT, I ran it alone and asked for a raise 2 years ago and still havent gotten it. I love what i do, but what about my Mental Health? I can't afford Christmas but they building a 45 million dollar school for kids who cant read or spell! And not to mention hate going to school. It burns me up! And i worked my way up to my own office and yet, this Black woman can't even get a raise or praise. But its all right. I got something real good for them next year. And im gonna be real loud and clear before i depart from this place.

But NOBODY stuck up for Mo'nique when she was saying the same exact thing!! FOR YEARS black Hollywood left her out there on that hill ALONE. This is what happens when ninjas "go along to get along", when will we ever learn man?!

Facts. Stand up. Tell your truth and be an advocate. I have so much respect for her!!!

As a native Washingtonian, Latina, I hold a special place in my heart for Taraji. She (unlike most celebrities) got her degree in engineering and went for acting. I was told by the elder aunties growing up I would have to work 3x harder to just be noticed. They just had two big Hollywood strikes that froze Hollywood and they still demand more from their actors ($, resources, time). I'm so GLAD Taraji has something else to fall back on when Hollywood is giving her bull. Always improve yourself and have an exit strategy ❤

The world fell in love with Eevette and has been loving it some Taraji every sense. Taraji's ability to " Hustle and Flow" has been shocking the world on and off screen for years! This princess now ordained Queen, is a Golden Globe actress who has been nominated for an Academy Award and has several Emmys! This Sistah is multi-talented and if that wasn't enough, she is also a black activist and a promoter for young black female mental health! Taraji's contributions to Black Star-Power has catapulted her into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the 2,655th STAR! Taraji is one tough "Cookie (all puns intended 😉)"! We salute you Queen for all that you do!

Taraji deserves so much more and guess what?!! She’s going to get all of it. I’m here to watch!

Taraji you are simply an extraordinary actress. ❤ Keep strong sending you love xxx

Love Taraji and Monique and everyone speaking out about this! ❤

Monique been saying this, and she was almost blackballed in Hollywood. It’s sad . This is how the rest of us Americans feel that work 9 to 5’s 8 to 4s And 7 to 3s and 12 hour shifts. It’s hard and unfair for all of us out here, both men and women , actor or non actor