Taraji P. Henson addresses pay inequality in Hollywood
Taraji P. Henson says she is tired of being underpaid.
Taraji P. Henson is frustrated with working hard and not getting paid a fair salary!
The Hollywood actor was speaking during an interview on SiriusXM with Gayle King. Henson, who is promoting her new movie, 'The Color Purple', broke down when speaking about the unfair pay that actors receive.
King had asked her if she was contemplating quitting acting as some of the publications have reported.
“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson told Gayle.
She said she isn't the only actor who has not been getting paid fairly.
“I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired," a tearful Henson said.
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"I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ Well, I have to. The math ain’t math-ing."
Henson explained that she has to share her salary with some of the people in her team.
"When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid."
Henson said that when you hear that someone made $10 million on a project, a lot of that money didn't even make it to their bank account.
“Off the top, Uncle Sam is getting 50%. Now have $5 million. Your team is getting 30% of what you gross, not after what Uncle Sam took. Now do the math.
"I’m only human. Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired. I’m tired. It wears on you. What does that mean? What is that telling me?
"If I can’t fight for them coming up behind me then what the f**k am I doing?”
Henson says she is often told that what they do doesn't translate overseas.
"I’m tired hearing of that my entire career," Henson said. “Twenty-plus years in the game and I hear the same thing and I see what you do for another production but when it’s time to go to bat for us they don’t have enough money. And I’m just supposed to smile and grin and bear it. Enough is enough! That’s why I have other [brands] because this industry, if you let it, it will steal your soul. I refuse to let that happen.”
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Other Hollywood stars showed support for Henson.
"The truth about Hollywood" - Steve Harvey.
"This is what courage and advocacy looks like" - Holly Robinson Peete.
"I’ve seen you first hand on the phone fighting for your fair share, it will pay off! We love you!"- Stevie Mackey.
"Absolutely, Taraji. An actress like you should be wealthy by now. You work with excellence and you should be paid accordingly" - Roxy Cruz.
"This is straight facts sister T! Thank you for spitting the facts upon facts!" commented Halle Berry.