Taraji P Henson Exposes Nia Long For Trying To Get Her Fired| Exposes Nia’s Jealousy | HO

May 19, 2025

Hollywood is no stranger to behind-the-scenes drama, but few feuds have captured the attention of fans and insiders like the rumored clash between Taraji P. Henson and Nia Long on the set of Fox’s hit series “Empire.” In a series of recent revelations, sources close to the production, as well as Henson herself, have pulled back the curtain on what is being described as one of the most toxic and competitive relationships in recent TV history. The heart of the controversy: Nia Long’s alleged jealousy and her attempt to push Henson out of her iconic role as Cookie Lyon.

A Tale of Two Powerhouses

Taraji P. Henson, who brought Cookie Lyon to life and anchored “Empire” as its breakout star, and Nia Long, a respected Hollywood veteran, seemed poised to create TV magic when Long joined the cast in the show’s third season. However, what unfolded was far from harmonious. Rumors quickly swirled that the two actresses could barely stand to be in the same room, to the point where producers allegedly considered filming their scenes separately to avoid further conflict.

Insiders claim the tension stemmed from Long’s desire to take center stage. According to multiple sources, Nia Long lobbied for her recurring character to become more central to the plot—at the expense of Henson’s Cookie Lyon. “There could only be one Cookie Lyon, period,” one source said, echoing the sentiment that “Empire” simply wouldn’t be the same without Henson’s fierce matriarch.

Allegations of Sabotage

The drama reportedly escalated when Long allegedly tried to have Henson fired from the show. Word on the street is that Long pushed for storyline changes that would sideline Cookie and elevate her own character, hoping to become “Empire’s” leading lady. When Henson caught wind of these efforts, the situation quickly deteriorated, with both women nearly coming to blows on set.

“Producers almost had to shoot their scenes separately—that’s how bad it got,” one crew member revealed. “They would stop talking to each other the moment the cameras stopped rolling. The tension was thick.”

Unprofessional Behavior and Crew Complaints

Long’s alleged behavior didn’t just impact her relationship with Henson. Reports indicate that she was consistently late to set, disrespectful to crew members, and difficult to please when it came to hair and makeup. In fact, the hair and makeup department reportedly filed a formal complaint against Long—the only such complaint in the show’s history—citing her “nasty attitude” and last-minute changes to her look.

One insider recounted, “We’ve had rappers, A-listers, even Demi Moore on set, and no one caused problems like Nia. She made everyone’s job harder.”

A Breakdown in Hollywood Etiquette

The level of animosity reached its peak during Long’s final day on set. Traditionally, when an actor wraps their last scene, the assistant director announces it, followed by applause from the cast and crew. But when Long finished her last shot, she was met with silence—no acknowledgement, no applause. Some sources claim this was a deliberate snub, orchestrated by a crew and cast tired of her alleged antics.

To make matters worse, Long reportedly threatened to sue over the perceived slight, further souring her reputation among those involved in the production.

A Pattern of Difficult Behavior?

While Long has denied any wrongdoing, this isn’t the first time her professionalism has been called into question. Director Malcolm D. Lee, when asked during a radio interview about the most challenging actors he’s worked with, specifically named Nia Long. Actor Taye Diggs also shared a story about being slapped “for real” by Long during a scene in “The Best Man,” suggesting she sometimes let personal feelings influence her on-screen actions.

Long’s history of feuds isn’t limited to “Empire.” She’s also had well-documented tensions with Jada Pinkett Smith and other Black actresses, leading some to speculate that competition and jealousy may play a recurring role in her career challenges.

The Struggle for Recognition

The feud between Henson and Long also underscores a broader issue in Hollywood: the struggle for recognition and fair compensation among Black actresses. Henson has spoken candidly about the pay gap and lack of opportunities for women of color in the industry, making Long’s alleged attempts to undermine her even more disappointing for some observers.

“It’s hard enough for Black women in this industry without us tearing each other down,” Henson said in a recent interview. “If I can’t fight for those coming up behind me, then what am I doing?”

Professionalism vs. Pettiness

Despite the drama, Henson has maintained that she holds no personal animosity toward Long, praising her talent but drawing a clear line when it comes to professionalism. “She’s an amazing actress. There’s no beef with us at all,” Henson stated publicly, though insiders suggest the wounds may run deeper than she lets on.

The cast and crew of “Empire” appear to have sided with Henson, with many expressing relief when Long’s stint on the show ended. “People were done,” one source said. “She was ruining the vibe for everyone.”

A Missed Opportunity for Reconciliation

As the dust settles, Long has yet to publicly address the allegations in detail, choosing instead to remain silent. This radio silence has only fueled speculation and left fans and industry insiders wondering why she has not defended herself or attempted to clear her name.

“Wouldn’t you want to set the record straight if you were constantly being painted as a mean girl?” one commentator asked. “The longer she stays quiet, the worse it looks.”

Conclusion: The Real Victim or Hollywood’s Mean Girl?

With so many voices coming forward—directors, actors, crew members—the pattern is hard to ignore. While everyone has their side of the story, the consensus from “Empire” is clear: the feud between Taraji P. Henson and Nia Long was real, disruptive, and emblematic of the challenges faced by women in Hollywood.

Is Nia Long misunderstood, or is she truly the industry’s most notorious mean girl? Until she speaks out, the debate will continue. What’s certain is that the drama behind the scenes was every bit as intense as what unfolded on screen.