By Kelci Boyd
Staff Writer
Taraji P. Henson disclosed that she has reached her breaking point in response to remarks she made almost a month ago in an interview about how underpaid she still feels in Hollywood.
On the SiriusXM interview with Gayle King, Henson had shed tears of frustration on what she was going through in the industry. Following Henson’s expose of the pay gap that exists between black actresses in Hollywood, talk of the issue shifted to Oprah Winfrey, who produced Henson’s most recent film, “The Color Purple”.
This attention was conveniently directed away from the studio that actually sets the budget for the project.
Henson had previously spoken of the ongoing struggle she faces as a black woman in Hollywood to get paid what she is worth, even for something as basic as having a car driven to the studio.
Students of Jackson State University were asked for their opinion on how they feel about black women being underpaid in the acting industry.
Ashantae Pillman, a senior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., said, “I do feel that the matter isn’t as important as other black women being underpaid in the other work forces. Women who make $35,000 or less a year are a much bigger priority.”
Kennedy Hampton, a senior social work major from Chicago, Ill, believes that the payment of actors and actresses are given a payment bracket before they even agree to work on projects. If the issue of payment is strictly due to race and or/ gender then it is inherently unconstitutional. “If the issue is due to the performance or popularity of the celebrity, then the media determines the value of the actor or actress,” said Hampton.
Kyra Howard, a sophomore elementary education major from Indianola, Miss., agrees with Henson.
“I feel the pay disparity in the acting industry often reflects issues of discrimination and unequal opportunities. Black women, in particular, face many challenges. This is a significant issue that needs attention & rectification. addressing the issue will require an industry wise commitment. I feel that advocacy for fair pay, diverse casting, and inclusive roles is essential for fostering positive change,” said Howard.
Henson has made it very clear that the world will not pin her against Winfrey when the issue is much deeper.
She stated in an NBC interview, “You know, she called me, she called me personally. Not my team, not my people — me. And asked me, ‘Taraji, if there’s anything you need, you let me know.”
Henson added, “And what you’re not gonna do is pit two black women against each other — not on my watch.”
In a latest interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah stated, “It’s so disturbing to me. Why is my name even in this conversation? ’Cause I have just been the champion for everybody,” she continued. “There is no thing. There is no thing.”
Amid unsubstantiated reports of a conflict, Oprah Winfrey and Taraji P. Henson are demonstrating their support for one another. Both immediately stopped the rumors and cleared up the misinformation.
They both give lifelong support, direction, and encouragement. Hopefully, in the future the two may be able to work together again.
