Looks like there’s a brewing storm against Oprah as more voices join the fray, with Gabrielle Union stepping into the spotlight, clearly displeased with the ongoing drama. Recently, Vivica Fox came out in support of Oprah, suggesting that Taraji P. Henson may have fabricated claims of being blackballed by Oprah. Gabrielle wasn’t having any of it and didn’t hold back her thoughts on Vivica and Oprah. It’s a full-on saga, and Gabrielle isn’t holding back.
The Taraji and Oprah saga seems far from over as more individuals find themselves tangled in the controversy. Just when it seemed the dust was settling, Gabrielle Union’s entrance added fuel to the fire.
Gabrielle’s stance is clear: she’s not siding with Oprah. And Vivica Fox isn’t spared from the heat either. For those out of the loop, this drama began when Taraji P. Henson, during the press tour for “The Color Purple” movie, disclosed her hesitation to accept the role due to being underpaid.
“I haven’t witnessed any increase in my income since Proud Mary, and I nearly had to step away from Color Purple. Who exactly said what? Yes, indeed. Because, you see, if I don’t take a stand, how am I paving the way for Fantasia, Danielle, Hy, and Felicia? Then what’s the point? Why? Why am I pursuing this if it’s solely for my own benefit? What’s your purpose here?”
Though the precise figure of Taraji’s earnings remains undisclosed, it must have been significantly low, as she expressed frustration with her compensation to the extent of contemplating leaving the industry altogether.
“I’m just exhausted, tired of pouring my heart into my work, being gracious, and receiving a mere fraction of what’s fair. I’m weary of hearing my fellow sisters echo the same sentiments repeatedly. It wears you down. People say, ‘You work a lot.’ Or you have to. But the numbers just don’t add up.”
It turns out, Taraji wasn’t the only one facing this issue, as numerous black women in the industry have experienced similar challenges. Gabrielle Union was among the first to address the broader struggles black women encounter in Hollywood, stating:
“As a black actress and producer in Hollywood, I know I’ll have to keep working indefinitely because we can’t afford to retire. Our pay isn’t enough.”
The situation gained significant attention, especially considering Taraji’s prominence in the industry. However, Taraji later clarified her remarks, emphasizing that there was no discord with Oprah. In an Instagram post, she expressed:
“Support among black women and women of color is crucial. It’s also vital to have women of color in decision-making roles across all industries. Oprah has been a consistent source of support and guidance for the entire cast of The Color Purple. Personally, she’s offered encouragement and support, urging me to reach out whenever needed. One conversation with a decisive black woman made me feel heard. Thank you, Oprah, for your unwavering support.”
However, fans were skeptical of her claims, sparking widespread chatter in the streets about Taraji’s alleged apprehension. It wasn’t just about Taraji anymore; people began to highlight Oprah’s apparent issue with black women, particularly those who exhibited strength and refused to succumb to intimidation, and who, in their eyes, outshone her.
They drew parallels to Oprah’s treatment of Mo’Nique, who, after declining Oprah’s request to embark on a press tour for the film “Precious” without compensation, found herself the target of Oprah’s smear campaign. Oprah allegedly spread rumors about Mo’Nique’s supposed difficult demeanor, leading to a swift decline in her Hollywood prospects, despite her Oscar win for the same film. This stark contrast underscored the unjust treatment Mo’Nique faced.
So, when Taraji voiced similar grievances against Oprah, fans were quick to condemn Oprah’s actions, refusing to tolerate such behavior from her this time around and demanding accountability.
As the heat intensified and various celebrities weighed in on the Taraji and Oprah drama, Vivica Fox found herself in the spotlight in New York. When asked about the pervasive issue of underpayment of black individuals in Hollywood, here’s how she responded:
“I understand. Do you think it’s timely now to continue the conversation that Taraji initiated following Monique’s lead? As an actress with experience, do you believe this is the right moment to address it on a suitable platform? You see, everyone has their own perspective. Personally, I’m content and grateful for my blessings. I haven’t faced that particular struggle, but I respect the need to voice one’s grievances. It’s crucial to express oneself. I completely empathize with the solidarity among women, yet I’m personally unaffected.”
However, her response sparked significant backlash from fans who interpreted it as lacking support for Taraji, despite numerous black women voicing similar concerns over the years. Many felt her statement undermined the grievances expressed by Taraji, Gabrielle Union, and other black women in the industry.
Gabrielle expressed her disappointment in Vivica’s actions by throwing subtle shade and even liking a fan’s tweet that highlighted Vivica’s lack of success compared to Taraji. However, Gabrielle didn’t stop there. Inside sources revealed her fury at Vivica’s remarks, accusing her of siding with their oppressors and suggesting she had no qualms with Oprah.
Fans echoed Gabrielle’s sentiments, criticizing Vivica for not fully supporting her fellow black women. They pointed out that Vivica’s current endeavors, such as her low-budget podcast-style show, mirrored the struggles of being underpaid and undervalued in the industry. While some acknowledged Vivica’s stance, they also felt she could have been more supportive and acknowledged that she hadn’t reached the same level of success as Taraji.
