Few stars can say they’ve survived an industry black-balling and landed on their feet the way funnywoman Mo’Nique has.
Despite earning quite the reputation for her outspoken nature, being cast as “difficult” and “demanding” by the likes of entertainment industry leaders Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels, Whoopi Goldberg, and more, and becoming the source of ridicule for her highly publicized battle with Netflix, the 51-year-old is celebrating a major comeback courtesy of a recently announced stint in Sin City.
Making history as the first Black comedienne to have her own Vegas residency, Mo took to our friends at Essence to not only dish on the major accomplishment but also reflect on the recent downfalls that have gotten her to this point (i.e. backlash received for supporting Roseanne, Netflix drama, and more).
On comediennes who paved the way for her:
“It’s so many that have gone unnoticed and unnamed,” Mo’Nique said with a sigh, “but because they kept inching forward, I’m able to have the residency.”
On her residency being “revenge” against naysayers:
“It doesn’t feel like revenge because I’m not out to get anyone,” she replied. “This is a part of what I do. I never stopped. Because people didn’t see me, they thought I had stopped, but I’ve never stopped being a standup comedian. Through all of this, I was still traveling the country, going to this city, this city, this city, this city because that’s my passion. That’s my baby. That’s my love.”
On relationship with Roseanne Barr:
“My sister Roseanne Barr called me [before the first show of the residency]. She said, ‘Hey, baby girl. Go kick them in the a-s.’ We laughed,” Mo recalled. “She was like, ‘I’m just so proud of you, baby.’”
On Roseanne’s support of her when Netflix offered a lower deal than her comedic counterparts:
“A racist would not have pulled me up after all the cameras stopped and said, ‘Listen here, baby. Don’t you let them use you up. You better know your worth, but don’t you let them take advantage of you.’ Now, I don’t know a racist that would do that. But that woman called me up. Yes, ma’am, she did.”
On standing by the embattled TV star:
“I could not throw my sister under the bus because I know her when the cameras aren’t rolling,” Mo’Nique explained of why she stood by Barr. “I know her when there’s nobody watching and there’s nobody listening.”
*****
Click here to read the feature in full. Click here to get tickets to see Mo’Nique at the SLS Hotel in Las Vegas.
I’m here for this! I like Mo!
The inflation in this article is right on the border of outright lies.
1. For years, Eddie Griffin has done Vegas residencies. Thus, the statement ‘making history as the first Black comedienne to have her own Vegas residency’ is a blatant LIE.
2. The Sayers Club is a small lounge bar with NO AC. I would not label that as a ‘Vegas Residency’. I’ve been at this lounge a few times and it is a DIVE bar in the ghetto SLS Hotel way way far from the main Las Vegas strip.
Consult a dictionary for the meaning of the word “comedienne” then get back with us
Next, regardless if she was playing a high school auditorium
Every nite for three months. If it’s located in one city it’s a residency hun
Don’t try to check me QUEEN Z. Gurl I said what I said and aint sh|t u can do about it b|tch! Clearly you don’t know what the word ‘inflation’ means.
1. We are not going to disregard Whoopi Goldberg as the first black female comedian to have a Vegas residency. (Obviously I know what the word ‘comedienne’ means u sissy b|tch).
2. Monique is not performing ‘Every nite for three months’. She is backfill for Eddie Griffin’s nights off.
RECEIPTS:
https://slslasvegas.com/entertainment/the-sayers-club/
3. Don’t ever try to check me again queen. You are always idiotically wrong and everyone knows Jasmine has RECEIPTS to backup whatever I am saying at the time!
Reading is fundamental. Comedian and Comedienne are two different things dear, take a break from being ignorant and use Google, you’ll find out that Whoopi has performed in Vegas but has never headlined her own residency. Try doing research on things other than the Pied P***.
TROLLmine Mo’Nique is kinda like you. Fat, dark skinned, in her 40’s, angry at the world yet always giving advice, no aśš, big loud mouth, ghetto and always hypnotized by their husband (dįîldo). You should DEF see i
I’m SORRY YALL. I have been BARKING loudly for WEEKS now trying to get Jasmine to speak to me. I know she permanently BANNED me from speaking to her but I’m one of her BIGGEST FANS. Jasmine PLEASE FORGIVE ME for speaking to you. I’m sorry. I’m such a f.ucking LOSER!
TROLLmine Mo’Nique is kinda like you. Fat, dark skinned, in her 40’s, angry at the world yet always giving advice, no aśš, big loud mouth, ghetto and always hypnotized by their husband (dįîldo). You should DEF see if you can sell your coloring books outside of her show!
I’m SORRY EVERYONE. I have been BARKING loudly for WEEKS now trying to get Jasmine to speak to me. I know she permanently BANNED me from speaking to her but I’m one of her BIGGEST FANS. Jasmine PLEASE FORGIVE ME for speaking to you. I’m sorry. I’m such a f.ucking LOSER!
.
Jasmine what time are we meeting tonight sister and which corner? You bringing the baby doll tonight or leaving her at home?
She working though….Monique they shouldn’t have blackballed you. They wrong for that. I miss ya!
I still think she blackballed herself, but I also I think she is a first-rate comedian and hope she succeeds well in Vegas.
probably making 25…maybe 50k if she’s lucky. should have kept her mouth shut
Now THIS is refreshing to hear from Mo’Nique. That she is pulling herself up out and out of the old bull$#it (whether it is of her own creation or industry), and pressing forward with her craft.
Good for her, but I still can’t get behind her supporting Roseanne. Sure she called you on the phone, but any racist can call you on the phone and tell you what you want to hear. She said nothing in public while you were getting clowned left and right during your fight with Netflix. If she was really your “sister” and wasn’t racist, she would have co-signed your struggle in public and called Netflix out. Maybe Monique’s real problem is spotting who her real enemies are.
I notice she’s performing at a hotel way at the end of the strip. She at the back of the bus.
It’s interesting that she is riding for Roseanne’s tacky, racist ass for supporting her and giving her guidance but she basically spit in Whoopi’s face for Whoopi trying to guide her on how to play the game during the Precious drama. Mo’Nique is typical, not able to see the forest for the trees.