Actress Taraji P. Henson broke down in tears as she complained about “working so much” and that the government has taken a lot of her money.
The twist of irony in the Hollywood star's lament during an interview raised eyebrows at her lack of self-awareness and drew laughter from social media users who were happy to see the “Empire” actress I was doing a reality check.
In an interview with Gayle King for Sirius XM Radio, Henson struggled to answer when asked about rumors that he was considering leaving the business. In a dramatic move to hold back tears, “The Color Purple” actress responded that she was “tired of working so hard” and “being paid a fraction of the cost.”
“I'm tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over again,” Henson said, with fellow guests Danielle Brooks and Blitz Bazawule looking on. “I hear people say, 'You work hard.' I have to. Math isn't math.”
“The big bills come with what we do. We don't do it alone,” the 53-year-old said. “The fact that we're up here, there's a whole team behind it. They have to get paid.”
“Know that on top of that, Uncle Sam is getting 50%. Your team is getting 30% of what you make. Now do the math,” Henson added.
“I'm only human and it seems like every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it's time to renegotiate, I'm back at rock bottom like I never did what I just did. And I'm just tired,” she said, fighting back tears. “It wears on you, you know, because what does that mean? What does that say to me? And if I can't fight them to come after me, what the hell am I doing?”
“They play in your face. And I'm supposed to smile and smile and bear it and move on,” Henson said, adding, “Enough is enough.”
It's also not the first time Henson has complained about wages. In a 2019 interview with Variety, he protested that he only got $150,000 for his supporting role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) even though he had asked for $500,000.
“You've got to check your ego. I mean, I'm a black woman, so I knew it was going to be a fight,” she said at the time. “I don't get paid if I don't fight.”
Henson's latest lament came under fire at X, where reactions echoed those of conservative actor James Woods, who has long been shunned by Hollywood's far-left liberals.
Rich Democrats literally crying over the high taxes they voted for is one of life's purest ironies. https://t.co/pehcm0jaWB
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 21, 2023
Self-awareness is not allowed in celebrity circles.
— Moderate to Severe (@Mod2Severe) December 21, 2023
It's unfortunate, but their tiny indoctrinated minds cannot connect their voting choices to the negative impacts of voting choices on their lives. This is literally how we end up with Democratic voters. They vote promises and deny the realities.
— Belinda (@Cobeekat) December 21, 2023
If you ever needed a reason to hate Hollywood and all they stand for this is the ultimate hypocrisy. A slap in the face to people who work hard, earn a 10th of that and try to live within their means despite inflation.
—≠⚖️ (@tphilip631) December 21, 2023
me trying to find sympathy for Taraji P Henson pic.twitter.com/iFl2QnulbV
— a nuisance (@LVDON) December 21, 2023
If he thinks he has it wrong, he should talk to people who make $15-$20 an hour and try to make it in the Biden economy. So tired of millionaires playing the victim.
— Babble 365 (@Babble365) December 20, 2023
Billionaire is not math
— KayDreamer (@kaydreamer11) December 20, 2023
I'm sure the underpaid people behind the scenes in Hollywood are shedding tears for her right now.
— Olenna.Tyrell (@XXCHROMOSOMES23) December 20, 2023
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