Hollywood's Pay Disparity Sparks Outcry

Taraji P. Henson's Comments on Being Underpaid Ignite Support and Conversations on Pay Inequality in the Film Industry

Taraji P. Henson, an Oscar and Emmy nominee, has spoken out about being underpaid as a Black woman in Hollywood, sparking support from fellow actors who are sharing their own experiences with pay disparities.
Henson expressed her frustration with the pay disparity in Hollywood, stating that despite her award-winning, decades-long acting career, she often finds herself at the bottom again after breaking another glass ceiling.
Actress Gabrielle Union, writer and actress Robin Thede, and Keke Palmer have publicly supported Henson's comments, with Thede expanding on the systemic obstacles that Black women face in getting paid fairly in Hollywood.
Henson has previously spoken about experiencing pay inequality in Hollywood, revealing that she was initially offered $100,000 for a role in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', despite asking for $500,000.
Other Black actresses, including Viola Davis and Mo’Nique, have also spoken out about pay disparities in Hollywood, with Davis stating that despite her successful career, she is nowhere near white actresses in terms of pay and job opportunities.