Taraji P. Henson Confronts Oprah One Year After The Color Purple Scandal

Taraji P. Henson is finally opening up about the challenges she’s faced since publicly calling out Oprah Winfrey for underpaying her on the set of *The Color Purple*.

The fallout from her decision to speak out has been intense, with reports that Taraji is not only still being underpaid in Hollywood but is also being blackballed by key industry players—allegedly led by Oprah herself.

The controversy began when Taraji, in an emotional interview, revealed that her initial offer for *The Color Purple* was shockingly low, and even after negotiations, her salary remained far beneath what she felt she deserved.

She spoke candidly about the struggles Black actresses face, working tirelessly with grace but consistently being paid less than their worth. Taraji’s comments struck a chord, sparking widespread debate about pay equity in Hollywood and placing Oprah, who invested millions into the film, under intense scrutiny.

Taraji didn’t stop there. In a follow-up interview with the *New York Times*, she exposed harsh working conditions on set, including being forced to drive rental cars to and from work with no security, working grueling 12-16 hour days, and being held financially responsible for any vehicle damage.

She described the situation as dangerous and unacceptable, especially given the film’s large budget.

The situation escalated when fellow cast member Danielle Brooks backed up Taraji’s claims, sharing that the cast often went without food and had to share cramped trailers. Danielle’s comments, made with Oprah sitting beside her, only added fuel to the fire and further damaged the film’s public image.

As the scandal grew, Oprah and Taraji reportedly began avoiding each other at public events. The negative press took a toll on *The Color Purple*’s box office performance. While the film had a strong opening, earning over $18 million on its first day, returns quickly plummeted.

With a production and marketing budget exceeding $140 million, the film barely broke even, reportedly losing the studio at least $75 million. Executives at Warner Bros. blamed Taraji for derailing the film’s promotional efforts and allegedly decided to blackball her as a warning to other actors.

In an attempt at damage control, both Taraji and Oprah posted public messages praising each other and downplaying the conflict. However, many saw these posts as insincere, and public trust was not restored.

Taraji, meanwhile, has struggled to find major roles since the scandal, fueling rumors that she is being deliberately sidelined in the industry.

Despite the backlash, Taraji has remained resolute, focusing on her personal brand and mental wellness initiatives. She refuses to let Hollywood “steal her soul,” but admits that speaking out has come at a significant personal and professional cost.

The scandal has reignited conversations about pay inequity and working conditions for Black actors in Hollywood. Many fans support Taraji, arguing she simply voiced what many have experienced in silence. Others worry the controversy has damaged her legacy and future prospects.

What do you think about Taraji’s decision to speak out? Did she ruin her career, or is she a trailblazer for change in Hollywood? Share your thoughts in the comments below.