Kevin Mazur/Getty Images/Jerod Harris/FilmMagic
Oprah Winfrey is clearing things up after “The Color Purple” star Taraji P. Henson made a series of comments.
Henson has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced in Hollywood despite being an established actress in the industry. The Empire alum opened up about the pay disparity and having to fight for a driver to take her to the musical's set.
Winfrey, executive producer of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, became a trending topic on social media, with many wondering why the media mogul didn't intervene.
“I heard I was trending yesterday. People said I wasn't supporting Taraji,” Winfrey said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Golden Globes. “Taraji will tell you himself that I was the biggest supporter of this film and I was involved not only in the production behind the scenes but also in everything that everyone needed.”
She continued: “Whenever I heard that people needed something – I'm not responsible for the budget because that's Warner Bros., that's how the studio system works and we as producers all get their salary, which is negotiated by them. ” Team.”
Winfrey reiterated that every time she “heard there was a problem with the cars” or “with the food,” she “stepped in and did everything I could to make it right,” noting, that Henson “would vouch for it and say it’s true.”
“I am for everyone to be the greatest and experience the rise of their own life,” she added.
Winfrey also addressed rumors that tensions arose between her and Henson during a photo op at the Empire State Building. The former talk show host said it was particularly cold that day and she was just trying to stay warm.
“There is no validity to them being a thing between Taraji and I,” Winfrey said.
Watch Winfrey's full statement in the video below.