Taraji P. Henson has been trending in earnest after a teary breakdown during an interview promoting ‘The Color Purple.’
As reported, the 2024 Emmy nominee was quizzed on previous comments made about possibly quitting acting and didn’t hold back in articulating the reason why: pay inequality as a Black actress.
The candidness of her response and the emotion that powered it ignited an outpouring of support.
It also placed a spotlight on Henson’s other interviews on the promo trail – including an insightful sitdown with SAG.
During said special, the 53-year-old was equally as honest about her sentiments regarding Black talent often being shortchanged when it comes to negotiations and pay packets. And in a revelation that surprised many, she said she “almost walked away from The Color Purple” seemingly for this reason.
Henson didn’t expand on the point nor was she probed about it. However, that didn’t stop many online from probing the topic – with a select few directing questions and raised eyebrows at billionaire Oprah Winfrey, who is on board as a producer of the film and has been one of the central engines pushing the revival of the beloved tale.
Quick to quell such discourse, Henson has issued an impassioned thanks to Winfrey, who she says has been the definition of support behind the scenes.
Full story below…
Peep the segment from the star’s SAG interview:
@sagaftrafound “If I don’t take a stand, how am I making it easy for Fantasia and Danielle and Halle and Phylicia?” #TarajiPHenson joined moderator Angelique Jackson for a ‘Career Retrospective’ that #sagaftra artists won’t want to miss. Head to our YouTube channel to watch now. #acting #actors #actorslife #thecolorpurple #careeradvice ♬ original sound – SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Moments ago, Henson took to social media to express gratitude for the love she’s received following her remarks and went on to spotlight Winfrey for having her back.
She said:
“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 💜💜💜”