Taraji Just Got Whoopi Goldberg CANCELED “She’s Diddy & Oprah HANDLER!”

Veteran screen star Whoopi Goldberg has long been a polarizing figure in Hollywood, especially in Black Hollywood. Recently, Taraji P. Henson, another industry veteran, has claimed that Whoopi is being used by powerful Black executives like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Oprah Winfrey. While promoting her new film, *The Color Purple*, Henson broke down in tears discussing the film industry and the issue of unfair pay—a project executive produced by Oprah, a close friend of Whoopi.

Henson expressed her frustration about working hard, excelling at her craft, and getting paid a fraction of what she deserves. The 53-year-old Emmy-nominated actress appeared on SiriusXM with Gayle King, where she admitted she had reached her breaking point in Hollywood. “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, and getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Taraji said. She voiced her exhaustion from hearing similar complaints from her fellow actresses, emphasizing the financial burdens that come with their work and the necessity of supporting a team.

The financial struggles in Hollywood were highlighted as Taraji explained that the hefty salaries often discussed in the media are misleading due to taxes and team expenses. She noted that even when she breaks new ground and achieves significant milestones, she has to renegotiate from scratch, often feeling undervalued. This ongoing cycle has worn her down.

During the interview, Taraji broke down in tears, expressing her frustration with the persistent inequity in Hollywood, despite her decades of experience. She shared how disheartening it is to see the industry willing to invest heavily in other productions but not in Black-led projects. This lack of financial support and acknowledgment has led her to diversify her career, creating other brands to protect her soul from being “stolen” by the industry.

This wasn’t the first time Henson has spoken out about pay disparities. In 2019, she revealed she was offered only $100,000 to star opposite Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*. She managed to negotiate her salary to $150,000 but it was far from the half-million she expected. Despite earning an Oscar nomination for her role, she felt significantly undervalued.

Henson’s sentiments echo those of other Black actresses like Keke Palmer and Issa Rae, who have also spoken out about Hollywood’s mistreatment and undervaluing of Black talent. Issa Rae, featured in Time’s inaugural “Closers” issue, criticized Hollywood for backtracking on its diversity promises and being controlled by Wall Street interests. She emphasized the need for creative autonomy and the importance of investing in smaller, independent projects away from traditional Hollywood structures.

Keke Palmer shared similar frustrations in an interview with Teen Vogue, revealing that her time in the industry might be nearing its end. She emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for Black creators and highlighted the economic challenges that come with working in Hollywood.

Taraji’s revelations about her experience while filming *The Color Purple* and the low pay she received nearly led her to walk away from the film. In a tearful interview with Gayle King, she expressed how these frustrations have made her consider giving up acting altogether. She criticized the industry’s narrative that Black-centric shows don’t perform well overseas, calling it an excuse for not properly investing in these projects.

Taraji’s allegations have sparked controversy and backlash against Oprah, who has yet to respond. Many fans and celebrities have expressed their support for Henson, recognizing her contributions to the industry and the injustices she has faced. With multiple accolades including Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations for her roles in films like *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*, *Hidden Figures*, and *The Karate Kid*, Taraji’s outcry highlights the ongoing struggle for equity in Hollywood.