Mo’Nique Claps Back At Lee Daniels / Says She Wasn’t “Blackballed” & Explains “Diva Demands”

Published: Friday 27th Feb 2015 by Sam
monique-cnn-thatgrapejuice

Mo’Nique has been a fixture in the headlines of late following her controversial interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

As widely covered, the ‘Precious’ star revealed that she was told by the movie’s producer, her friend Lee Daniels, that she had been “blackballed” by Hollywood.

The story has ignited ample debate, with several entities that have worked with the Oscar winner coming forward to share their difficult encounters with her and her team and citing them as reasons for her snub for the “powers that be”.

Yesterday saw the discussion crank up a notch when Daniels (who is enjoying success with new show ‘Empire’) stopped by CNN studios to elaborate on what he meant. Denying that he used the word “blackballed” when speaking with the star, he would verbatim state that Mo’Nique ultimately blackballed herself due to difficult demands from her management.

Today brought with it a fresh twist when the actress/comedian spoke with Don Lemon about the matter.

Interestingly, she clarified that she doesn’t feel she was blackballed. Instead, she asserts there weren’t demands and that the deals that came in following ‘Precious’ weren’t financially befitting.

Her interesting words below…

Hmm….

Your thoughts?

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  1. Mark111 February 27, 2015

    Yes Lee have a successful tv show and a few films, but I didn’t like his “sell out” remark. Dude, you’re not Tyler Perry, Spike nor Singleton. The Oscars over look your work and you’re no box office draw (tho The Butler did make a great profit). But it is a business, so I get that part too.
    .
    people need to give Perry hos credit, for the past ten years, Black films was dead, he brought it back and gave a LOT of Black actors and actress a job. Yes the Media stuff is a lil much, but they are good films with great messages.

    • beautifuldisaster89 February 27, 2015

      I was with you until you said tyler Perry’s films were good lol SOME of his work is good the rest is predictable. Lee Daniels is the superior director IMO

      • credits February 28, 2015

        yeah but tyler perry would never go on cnn and dog out and actor/actress that has worked for him. lee daniels comes off as a person who is always ready to spill that tea.

    • Lake Erie February 27, 2015

      Preach!

  2. The Beysus Impact February 27, 2015

    In other news; R.I.P Leonard Nimoy 🙁

  3. Tyler February 27, 2015

    Didn’t know Lee Daniels was such an Uncle Tom.

    • Molly February 27, 2015

      Boy shut up

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        @Moll the Maid
        Honky, you might want to exit this reply section…while I still let you.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Honky really? Lol you must be so black and proud right? Lmao

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Why are here? This is an urban blog…dont you have a Klu Klux Klan meeting to go to right about now?

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        You’re so dumb im half white and half black. Just because im not ghetto like most of you on here doesn’t make me white/racist. Fuuck you Tyler.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Your Duck Dynasty looking ass should be the last one trying to call anyone ghetto.
        The audacity of you to even THINK that it was ok to talk to me after the “dirty black people”, “monkeyonce”, and other racially offensive remarks that you’ve made.
        No, f*** you! And your cross burning cloak wearing friends b****.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Aww babe your hurt over some comments I made haha that’s your problem. But Im far from racist those were obvious jokes… Like calm tf down Tyler. **

      • Pat February 27, 2015

        @Molly, guh please shut the f*** up heifer!

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        @pat f**** u ugly bitchhh

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Im so glad that you find the fact that blacks have been dehumanized and called monkeys for the past 300 years funny.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Man fuckkk what you’re talking about Tyler you are beneath me and always will be bitchhh get on my fuckiing level

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        @Molly the Maid
        you VS ME = no competition
        So bow the f*** out of the post gracefully.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Right because im better than you. muah 🙂

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Ha!

    • Carlitos February 27, 2015

      Tyler, shut your no good, ugly, racist ass up! You’re the reason why racism is still alive and conquering. Disgusting.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Exactly he’s ignorant.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        No, SLAVERY, Capitalism, Nationalism, and White Supremacy is the reason why racism STILL EXIST …but go ahead and blame the black person, thats more convenient.

    • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

      Uncle Tom really? That same “keeping it real” attitude doesn’t pay the bills, doesn’t get great talent like Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Lupita, and bunch of others in these big films. So while you are keeping it real expect to get looked over with that bs hood mentality.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Lol clock him

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Big Films? Oh,you mean those “token black actors” who’ve only gotten an oscar or any type recognition after playing in the typical S**** movies or Black Romantic Comedies????
        Whats so hood about actually acknowledging the systemic nature of this society and how it works against people of color, “Uncle Tom”?????

      • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

        @Tyler you are a very ignorant person. I hope one day you get it. Even pennies make dollars. The actresses I named are in big roles.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        You are not talking to some ignorant thug on the street. So dont get malignant with me. Those black actors that you’ve named are only a few of MANY OTHERS who have a hard time being recognized in a media disproportionately dominated by white people. So I hope you “get it”, stop turning a f****** blind eye to the unfairness, and actually start realizing that the essence of WHO WE ARE as black people is constantly being ignored in the entertainment industry.

      • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

        @Tyler I hope that Keeping it real pays the bills. Do you. Meanwhile I’m moving on up this ladder we call life. Whatever works for you I’m going to go ahead and congratulate you. Not once did I call you a thug but there is a time and place for everything. You can make more of an impact at the top than you can from the bottom. So with that said you have a great day.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Why are you docile house negro’s always so content with the crumbs that fall off of the mans table? Im not the problem, people like you are. You’re always “satisfied” as opposed to actually being PROACTIVE, speaking up, and trying to make a change. So bye!

      • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

        Good luck to you brother. You have a blessed day.

  4. kyllaw February 27, 2015

    She back tracked in this interview. First she said she was receiving very fee calls and that those offers just went away which is what prompted the whole convo with Lee. Now she’s saying she down roles bcuz they were low offers. So if u turned down offers and u don’t feel u were blackballed then WHY has this topic been a big enough issue for u to pit it out there.

    • kyllaw February 27, 2015

      All those typos

  5. TheElusiveLamb February 27, 2015

    Wow. The media loves to twist stuff. I think the most shocking thing was that she did Precious for only 50k. I can’t believe that one of the main characters actually only got 50k for that role.

    • Lake Erie February 27, 2015

      Wow!!! That’s it???? Smh. I guess it true about what they say about black actors and actresses.

  6. TheElusiveLamb February 27, 2015

    With this in mind and Diddy son Quincy admitting that 360 deals own your music on Empire, what do the deals of the Empire cast look like?

    • Lake Erie February 27, 2015

      Hold up, explain that to me? Everything you just said.

      • TheElusiveLamb February 27, 2015

        Quincy (Diddy’s son) was supposed to be on Empire but it was a 360 deal attached to the music part of their contracts, so he didn’t sign, but the others did. That makes me wonder if they put a 360 deal on their music, what does the rest of the contract look like?

      • Lake Erie February 27, 2015

        Wow! Heell nah Smh. Yea, i wonder now too. That’s f***** up. I don’t blame people for going indie but it ain’t easy.

  7. Molly February 27, 2015

    I sick of hearing about this dumb b**** already

    • Tyler February 27, 2015

      B****, Im sick of seeing your ass in my reply section.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        But yet your b**** ass is in my reply section practice what you preach you nasty fatherless fat black faggggott.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Your entitled wanna be Lil Hitler ass, was the one who felt the need to address me FIRST. So if you’re going to come at me, come correct mix breed.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Haha you’re funny Tyler… You’re also a hypocrite its a problem when i say dirty blacks but you can call me a mix breed?

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        What? That’s the title that the “masta” that you love gave you. So you should be happy right? I dont care if you are mixed. If we were in still in the Antebellum Era your ass would be enslaved and abused like the rest of us. Think about that the next time you want to call someone a “dirty black m*****”.
        Just because you’re biracial doesnt mean that you get a pass. In white Americans eyes you’re black. So I’ll be damned if I let you look at me like Im some 2nd class citizen. Now sit!

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Guess what bitchhh we aren’t in the 50s get tf over it. I don’t hate you because you’re full black you hate me for being mixed and fabulous #JealousBitchGrowUp. I thought we were semi cool awhile back but guess you can’t be cool with a bitchh that envys you. #TylerWantsMyLife

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        400 years of dehumanization isnt going to be erased after two “liberal” generations moron. The very culture thats actually accepted you, is the very one that you disrespected the most. Stop trying to be something that you will never be!

  8. topplewear3938 Sam Smith and Drake Fan February 27, 2015

    $50,000?

    That’s it?? WOW! It grossed way over the production budget so I assumed she would have made more.

    I wonder how much Gabourey Sidibe earned? I’ve also noticed she made more red carpet appearances then Mo’Nique and also managed to snag a more roles after Precious

    • topplewear3938 Sam Smith and Drake Fan February 27, 2015

      *a couple more roles

    • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

      That because she didn’t walk around with that bullsht a** hood mentality. She did her appearances and kept it professional.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        You walk around with that b******* “Yes’m Masta” s**** mentality so idk why you’re even trying to criticize.

      • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

        You can call me all the names you want. Your opinion doesn’t changed the number of digits on my check or in my bank account. You have no idea what I have done or what I do for my race so I will go ahead and tell you the number of young black men that I mentor that struggle coming in my industry. 99% of them have gone on to become successful and now are enjoying successful careers… not jobs but careers. I’m not trying to take credit but I’ve been where they were tying to go. Again name calling is ignorant.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        The bottom black ass line is, your a sellout in MY EYES. And for what cost….a pay check? Run N****, Run! SMDH.

      • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

        Nas said it best:
        Were you abused as a child? Scared to smile? They called you ugly?
        Well life is harsh; hug me, don’t reject me.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Tupac said it better:
        “How could I feel guilty after all the things they did to me?
        Sweated me, hunted me
        Trapped in my own community
        One day I’m gonna bust, blow up on this society
        Why did you lie to me?
        I couldn’t find a trace of equality
        Worked me like a s**** while they laid back
        Homie don’t play that, it’s time I let em suffer the pay back.”

      • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

        By the way, my “crumbs” fall of the table of President Barrack Obama but like I said before. You have a blessed day. If you feel like you need to have the last word go right ahead.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Obama’s table? That’s cute lol. The fact that you are actually naive enough to believe that is really funny. Carry on.

  9. Gee February 27, 2015

    Whatever shall be the case something obviously happend because Monique has been ghost town since her show was cancelled and on the movie and tv tip she has been nonexistent as well.

  10. Molly February 27, 2015

    Poor Tyler

    • Tyler February 27, 2015

      You dont have any heaven or hell to put me in. So dont feel sorry for me, Okie.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        I would never feel sorry for a bum ass Beyonce stan like yourself. 🙂

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Of course not! You’re too busy staning for Iggy Azealia’s racist, Modern Day Minstrel Show Caricature looking ass with the rest of the Klu Klux Klansmen.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Screaming! We’re not racist you are the racist one. You must want to be white since you stay hating on them babe.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Nothing that I said in retaliation to your dumb ass could EVER match the snide remarks that you’ve made about a race who’s experienced MASS DEHUMANIZATION for over 375 years. At the hands of YOUR people.
        I dont want to be white. Im not some self hating docile house Negro like you. You’re the one who’s developed some b******* superiority complex that’s derived from all of your insecurities #DoBetter

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Lol yea whatever Tyler play the innocent role all you want but you have said worst things.

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        Molly, my question to you is, why the f*** did you actually think that you could get away with coming at me disrespectfully? You know not to come for me unless my lemo driver sends for you. So whats really good?

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Bitchh I will come for you any type of way I want. I don’t respect you , do even respect yourself?

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        B****, I dont respect your ass either. So we’re even!

    • Yeah I said it February 27, 2015

      @ this Molly c***, b**** what the f*** is your problem? I’ve been on this blog for two weeks, and you stand out like a pressed b****, from your bitter comments, to your trolling. You’re either mentally disturbed, OR, you’re just a depressed b**** with no life. Get it together b****, it’s not a good look.

  11. Cough Cough February 27, 2015

    Girl just make a movie……

  12. #TeamTinashe Stan (New Single “All Hands On Deck” Has Been Announced ) February 27, 2015

    Mo’Nique needs to return back to sitcoms. I miss the laughs. But also I would like to see her make a big triumphant return back to doing big budgeted hollywood movies. Love her! 😀

    • I STAN(D) AT THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE February 27, 2015

      Has Aquarius reached aluminium yet? That new flop single with Igloo should bring it to copper soon

  13. AnnaliseKeatingsNewWig February 27, 2015

    How in the hell was she surviving off of 50K for a movie, like damn gurl. And the taxman would have halved it so she only had a good 25K to her name.

    • MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

      She probably ended up with $15k her manager gets 10%, she has to pay lawyers, assistants, etc. I still say she should have kept it classy and worked the system until she was in a position to make demands.

      • AnnaliseKeatingsNewWig February 27, 2015

        oooooop! damn well when you put it like that MoMo really didn’t have a leg to stand on. Even a small appearance on Empire would do a lot for her now, but she already done burnt that bridge. I been over her since she claimed she didn’t shave her legs and was in an open relationship.

  14. Molly February 27, 2015

    Im happy to be mixed so f*** you Tyler atleast im not a miserable black bitchhh like you are dollface.

    • Tyler February 27, 2015

      B**** I KNOW YOU CARE!Im also quite sure that you look like clotted milk. So sit the f*** down.

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        I don’t but shouldn’t you be out somewhere selling you worn out walls?

  15. King February 27, 2015

    I really respect her decision to put her family and well-being above a media event. I also love that she mentioned turning down roles because of the effect it would have not only on her career but her peers and the people who are coming after her. We have far too many people in the entertainment industry who sell themselves and their communities out for a paycheck or fame, I respect her for not doing that. People keep saying she needs to humble herself but she simply knows her worth. She’s an Academy Award winning actress and has the right to turn down any role that she deems to be beneath her. 

  16. Molly February 27, 2015

    @Misdemeanor you better drag that ignorant miserable bitchhh Tyler.

    • Tyler February 27, 2015

      Molly the Maid, you’re truly the I-G-G-BYE of TGJ. Your ass stays getting dragged to the pits of hell and back bwahahaha

      • Molly February 27, 2015

        Just like the way Thotyonce ooops I mean Monkeyonce does?

      • Tyler February 27, 2015

        They call your fave Piggy I Smell Ya for a reason. She has no talent to back her s*** up and the fact that she’s running around in BLACK FACE doesnt work in her favor either.

    • Pat February 27, 2015

      @Molly the maid, lol. “Molly the maid” that is all! Change your name asap heifer!

  17. Theman February 27, 2015

    Lee Daniels is the one that’ black balled her. No one is working for free, especially when they are underpaid. She was very nonchalant about her Oscar. You don’t have to kiss a**.

  18. Brian310 February 27, 2015

    I don’t belive that the major problem was her not promoting the movie(because they wouldn’t pay her extra to promote)because recently Kevin Hart did the same thing and he still is getting roles. I think her problem was she had a nasty attitude(which everyone has said) and not even being a big movie star at the time, no one is gonna put up with that and her alleged demands.

  19. MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

    Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.

    • Tyler February 27, 2015

      Keep on being passive and flattering yourself. A fool FLATTERS himself, but a wise man flatters the fool.

  20. Lake Erie February 27, 2015

    Wow! Well I’m glad she’s going indie. More money for her and her fam. But if it was. I think I would of just went ahead and did the film festival thing. That’s just me though. I hope she come in best selling indie film and I hope she wins another Oscar too………. Sidenote: have you all noticed everyone’s going indie now? Singers, rappers and now more actors. I’m sure it’s been going on but it’s going rapid now. Says alot about the industry period.

  21. MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

    A hit dog will holler…

  22. Tyler February 27, 2015

    If you are going to act like you are above the b*******…then stop playing games and be above it.

    February 27, 2015 at 4:54 pm
    MisdamenorFan says:
    +1
    -3
    Vote

    Good luck to you brother. You have a blessed day.

    DONT USE GODS WORDS IN VAIN IF YOU DONT MEAN IT…MY BROTHER.

  23. MisdamenorFan February 27, 2015

    Woof

  24. Yeah I said it February 27, 2015

    @ this Molly c***, b**** what the f*** is your problem? I’ve been on this blog for two weeks, and you stand out like a pressed b****, from your bitter comments, to your trolling. You’re either mentally disturbed, OR, you’re just a depressed b**** with no life. Get it together b****, it’s not a good look.

  25. Tkuol February 28, 2015

    Yeah, I’m not buying much of what Mo’s saying. First she talked about pretty much receiving no roles, and now she’s going to talk about how many other role offers she got. Uh, ok. Backtrack much? We all know Mo has a reputation for being hard to work with and we knew this before Lee Daniels said anything. Unless they negotiate it, actors are expected to go out and do the press for their movie and for awards season without extra pay. Mo trying to say she couldn’t afford it and trying to relate to the public that way was laughable at best. On top of that, we all saw how arrogant she got when she had her show and after her win. You know she turned down all of those roles because her head was too big and she was expecting too much. She probably had high money demands.

    When she fixes her stank attitude and quits burning bridge, maybe then she’ll work again.

    • credits February 28, 2015

      Yeah but the will smiths and the Halle berrys get offered millions for their roles. and to be honest, $50,000 does not cover her performance in Precious.

  26. Casual-T February 28, 2015

    So, Mo’Nique does this interview to respond to what Lee Daniels said to Don Lemon the previous night, and in doing so, Mo’Nique confirms just what Mr. Daniels said. What was the point? He didn’t give details like she did, but the scenario she described fits perfectly with what he said. What actress gets nominated for an Oscar and refuses to promote at Cannes?

    • Credits March 1, 2015

      An actress that only gets paid 50,000 for a stellar performance should not have to go overseas and promote on her own budget. When that movie blew up, they should have compensated for that.

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