Taraji P. Henson Cries Over Unequal Pay: “Math Isn’t Mathing”

The wage gap seems to be hitting Hollywood stars as well. And while it is not surprising to hear, it is still powerful when female actresses come forward to talk about their struggles in the industry.

Taraji P. Henson recently spoke out about the issue of unequal pay in the entertainment industry, expressing her frustration and disappointment. The acclaimed actress shared her emotional response, stating, “Math isn’t mathing,” as she addressed the disparities in compensation based on gender and race.

Taraji P. Henson Breaks Down in Tears Over Unequal Pay

During a SiriusXM interview with Gayle King, Taraji P. Henson became emotional while discussing her new film, “The Color Purple.” King inquired about rumors of Henson considering quitting acting. The actor tearfully revealed her frustration with being consistently underpaid in Hollywood. Henson expressed exhaustion from working hard, being gracious, and receiving only a fraction of what she believes she deserves. She emphasized the shared sentiment among her fellow actresses and highlighted the financial challenges that come with a career in the industry. Taraji pointed out the necessity of compensating the entire team involved.

What Taraji P. Henson Had to Say

Taraji P. Henson expressed frustration about the financial challenges in the entertainment industry during an interview. She highlighted the substantial cuts taken by taxes and her team, leaving her with a fraction of her reported earnings. Henson emphasized the recurrent struggle in negotiating fair compensation. This is especially hard for a Black actor, citing excuses like the belief that Black stories don’t translate overseas.

Despite her success, she lamented the industry’s reluctance to allocate sufficient resources for Black actors and stories. This led her to diversify her endeavors to protect herself from the industry’s toll on her well-being.

“The Color Purple” Director Agrees

Taraji P. Henson’s director for “The Color Purple,” Blitz Bazawule, supported her assertion by revealing the challenges he faced in casting leading actors for the film. Despite their established successes, Bazawule had to fight for their inclusion, and when he mentioned their names to the studio, it felt as if their past accomplishments were disregarded. He expressed frustration at the need for these accomplished actors to audition for roles that should have been considered second nature, roles that, in his view, should not have been questioned.

The Actress Made Similar Remarks Before

Before her SiriusXM interview, Taraji P. Henson disclosed in a SAG-AFTRA discussion with Variety’s Angelique Jackson that she considered turning down “The Color Purple” due to pay concerns. She aimed to set an example for her female co-stars and highlighted her lack of a pay raise since 2018’s “Proud Mary.” Henson emphasized the importance of taking a stand to pave the way for other actresses like Fantasia and Danielle Brooks, stressing the need to support each other in the industry.

This is part of Henson’s ongoing advocacy for fair pay, as seen in her past negotiations for roles, including her efforts to secure appropriate compensation for her Oscar-nominated role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

Do you agree with Taraji P. Henson’s claims?

You might also want to read: ‘The Color Purple’ Movie is Finally Out