Taraji P Henson Breaks Down in Tears Over Hollywood Pay

Taraji P. Henson Breaks Down in Tears Over Hollywood Pay Disparity: “The Math Ain’t Math-Ing”

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Taraji P Henson

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Taraji P. Henson got real when discussing the pay disparity in Hollywood and opened up about the struggles she continues to face despite her success in the industry.

While appearing on Gayle King's SiriusXM show to promote “The Color Purple,” Henson broke down in tears as she talked about being underpaid for her work and almost quitting the industry entirely.

“I'm just tired of working so hard, being gracious about what I do, and only getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson said after taking a long break and breaking down. “I'm tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over again. You get tired. I hear people say, “You work a lot.” I have to. Mathematics is not mathematics. And you start working a lot, you have a team. There are big bills associated with what we do. We don't do this alone. There is a whole team behind us. They need to be paid.”

She continued, “So when you hear someone say, 'Oh, so-and-so made $10 million,' know that it didn't go into their account.” Know that Uncle Sam gets 50% right from the start. OK? Do the math, now we have $5 million. Your team will receive a 30% discount on your gross sales, not based on what Uncle Sam made. Do the math now. I'm only human. It seems like every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it's time to renegotiate, I'm back down to earth like I never did what I just did , and I am tired. I am tired. It carries you. What does that mean? What does that tell me? If I can’t fight for them to come up behind me, then what the hell am I doing?”

Gabrielle Union shared the clip of Henson and added: “No damn lie was told. Not. A. Damn. Lie. We're betting on BAT for the next generation and heck even our own generation and above. We don’t hesitate to make the change we all need to see AND it takes a toll on your mind, your health, your soul and your career if we stay at 100%.”

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