50 Cent Calls Out Oprah: Alleged Blackballing of Taraji P. Henson and the Role of Steve Harvey

In recent days, rapper and mogul 50 Cent has ignited a new controversy by alleging that Oprah Winfrey is using Steve Harvey to blacklist actress Taraji P. Henson in Hollywood. According to 50 Cent, this alleged blackballing is a result of comments Henson made regarding her experiences on the set of The Color Purple, a film produced by Oprah. The story has since gained traction, with 50 Cent promising to expose what he calls Oprah’s “sinister agenda” with receipts that could potentially damage her reputation. But what led to this public fallout, and is there any merit to these serious accusations? Let’s dive into the drama surrounding 50 Cent’s claims, Oprah’s alleged actions, and the broader issue of how Black women are treated in the entertainment industry.

The Background: Taraji’s Frustration with Hollywood

Taraji P. Henson, a celebrated actress with over 20 years in the entertainment industry, recently made waves with candid remarks about her career struggles. In interviews promoting The Color Purple and speaking out during a SAG-AFTRA interview, Henson revealed that despite her extensive filmography, she had not seen a significant rise in her income since the 2018 film Proud Mary. This revelation is particularly striking given that Henson has starred in high-profile projects, including the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures and the hit TV show Empire.

Henson has expressed her frustrations with being undervalued and underpaid as a Black actress. She talked about having to work harder than her white and male counterparts while receiving only a fraction of their earnings. Despite her success, Henson said, “I haven’t seen a raise in my income since Proud Mary,” which shocked many, as she’s widely regarded as one of the top talents in Hollywood.

She explained that she almost walked away from her role in The Color Purple because the pay offer was so low, which she saw as an insult, not just to her but to all the Black actresses who have faced similar struggles. “If I don’t take a stand, how am I making it easy for Fantasia and Danielle [Brooks]?” she asked, referring to her co-stars in The Color Purple. Henson’s outspokenness highlighted the broader issue of systemic inequality in Hollywood, where Black women are often underpaid and undervalued.

The Role of Oprah and Allegations of Blacklisting

While Taraji’s grievances initially centered on the industry’s mistreatment of Black women, the situation escalated when rumors started circulating that Oprah Winfrey, one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, was allegedly upset with Henson for speaking out. According to reports, Oprah believed that Taraji’s public statements were detrimental to The Color Purple’s box office performance and could tarnish the film’s reputation. As a result, it’s alleged that Oprah decided to blacklist Henson, similar to the alleged treatment of comedian Mo’Nique in the past.

Mo’Nique famously accused Oprah, Tyler Perry, and Lee Daniels of blackballing her in Hollywood after she declined to participate in a promotional campaign for Precious, despite having already fulfilled her contractual obligations.