Taraji P. Henson Confirms Hollywood Officially Blacklisted Her | She Goes Independent | HO

It looks like Taraji P. Henson is sick and tired of being treated like crap by the powers that be in Hollywood, because she just made some big moves, announcing her plan to go independent and do her own thing. If y’all have been following her, then you know that the industry has been playing in her face for a long, LONG time. I’m talking about not nominating her for awards where she absolutely deserved to be nominated, and when she DOES get nominated, she gets snubbed.

Don’t even get me started on how they play in her face when it comes to payment. And speaking of that, y’all remember how she called out the industry on its BS during the press run for The Color Purple? Well, it looks like the industry did NOT like being called out like that, and she got blacklisted as a result of that. Word on the streets is that she lost on a lot of deals as a result of her speaking up for herself, but it looks like she is DONE letting them play in her face, because she just made an INSANE move that’s going to leave everyone shocked.

In a recent series of candid interviews, Taraji P. Henson opened up about the struggles she’s faced in Hollywood, including a heartbreaking revelation—she has officially been blacklisted by the industry. Despite being one of the most talented and well-known actresses, Henson has endured years of frustration, mistreatment, and underappreciation from the powers that be in Hollywood.

But in true Taraji fashion, she’s not taking it lying down. After facing years of being overlooked, undervalued, and disrespected, the Oscar-nominated actress has taken a bold step to go independent and regain control of her career.

Taraji’s decision to go independent comes after years of Hollywood’s mistreatment, which she made clear during a press tour for The Color Purple. Known for her iconic role as Cookie Lyon in Empire, a role that earned her multiple award nominations and one memorable Emmy nomination, Taraji’s career trajectory seemed unstoppable. Yet after Empire ended, her professional life took an unexpected turn.

The Struggles Behind Hollywood’s Glittering Facade

After the success of Empire, Taraji expected her team to leverage her newfound fame and take her career to the next level. Instead, she revealed that her management team failed to capitalize on her momentum.

Despite her repeated efforts to push them to secure major roles and endorsements, Taraji found herself continually frustrated. She had hoped for bigger opportunities after Empire, but instead, her team seemed to be coasting, not delivering the career-advancing opportunities she deserved.

In an emotional interview, she admitted to firing her entire management team after realizing that they were not as invested in her success as she was. “Where is my deal? Where is my commercial?” she said, recalling her anger at being offered a fraction of what she was worth.

Taraji explained that when Empire wrapped up, she expected more than just another role, more than just another “Cookie” show. Instead, her management team failed to deliver anything substantial, and Taraji had enough.

“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, getting paid a fraction of the cost,” she said, revealing her frustrations. Her frustration wasn’t just about money—it was about respect. After being in the industry for years and delivering countless powerhouse performances, Taraji felt as though she had been disrespected by Hollywood.

The Breaking Point and Hollywood’s Pay Gap

The tipping point came when Taraji spoke out during the Color Purple press tour about the industry’s ongoing pay gap. Despite her immense talent, years of experience, and success, she revealed that she had not seen a raise in her pay since 2018—when she first started in Proud Mary.

This revelation shocked fans and industry insiders alike, especially considering how much work she had done in between that time. Taraji shared that her pay had not increased even after taking on major roles in successful films and television series.

Her complaints weren’t limited to her own underpayment. Taraji took the opportunity to address the broader issue of pay disparity in Hollywood, particularly for Black women. “Black women work twice as hard and still have to fight for scraps,” she said.

It was clear that she wasn’t just frustrated with her personal situation but also deeply concerned about the systemic issues that plague the entertainment industry. It’s a common story—Black women, no matter how talented, are often undervalued and underpaid compared to their white counterparts.

This is a deep-rooted issue in Hollywood, and Taraji’s candid remarks helped shed light on a problem that many actresses of color have long struggled with. Yet, instead of receiving support, she has been met with resistance, leading to her feeling as though the industry was turning its back on her.

Hollywood Blacklisting Taraji P. Henson

Despite her massive success and undeniable talent, Taraji confirmed that she has been blacklisted in Hollywood. After speaking out about the pay gap and mistreatment she experienced, she noticed a sharp decline in opportunities.

According to sources, Hollywood executives and producers who once welcomed her with open arms began to distance themselves, essentially punishing her for speaking out. This has led many to speculate that Taraji’s boldness and willingness to speak out against the industry’s failings made her a target.

Her frustrations are not unique, but her decision to speak out is. In a world where speaking up can often result in career consequences, Taraji has chosen to take control of her own narrative. She has confirmed that, since her outspoken criticism of Hollywood, her opportunities have been limited, and she’s struggled to secure roles. It became clear that the industry wasn’t ready to deal with someone who had the courage to call out its flaws.

Taking Matters into Her Own Hands: Going Independent

The good news is, Taraji isn’t backing down. After realizing that the system wasn’t going to change for her, she decided to make a huge career move: She went independent. By cutting ties with her old management team and seeking new opportunities outside the traditional Hollywood system, Taraji is now taking control of her future.

Taraji has signed with an independent artist group (IAG) for representation, and she is also building her own production company, TP Entertainment. The production company has already secured a first-look deal with BET, and Taraji is set to take the reins of her career in a way she never has before.

By taking this step, Taraji is determined to push boundaries and create content that reflects her vision, offering opportunities for authentic and diverse voices to be heard. She’s committed to building a platform where Black artists, especially Black women, can thrive without facing the systemic barriers that have kept them out of the spotlight for so long.

Her goal is not just to survive in Hollywood but to reshape the landscape for future generations. “We’re creating impactful content that resonates with audiences everywhere,” she said, reflecting on her new venture. Taraji’s courage to go independent is a bold move that could ultimately pave the way for more actors and creatives to reclaim their power in an industry that often leaves them behind.

Oprah’s Involvement and Tension Behind the Scenes

As Taraji’s career took a turn, many speculated about the behind-the-scenes drama that played out during the production of The Color Purple. Some fans noticed what seemed like a tense dynamic between Taraji and Oprah Winfrey, a longtime friend and producer of the film. Taraji’s comments about the pay disparity and her treatment on set raised eyebrows, and fans started questioning if Oprah, despite her reputation as a champion for Black women, had failed Taraji.

The tension between the two women was palpable, and social media quickly picked up on it. Some fans even suggested that Taraji was being silenced, echoing the plight of Mo’Nique, who famously called out Oprah for her role in the blacklisting that followed the success of Precious. The connection between Taraji’s complaints and the treatment Mo’Nique received left many wondering whether Oprah had fallen short in supporting Taraji as she had supported her other cast members.

Despite Oprah’s efforts to defend herself, claiming that she wasn’t in charge of the budget, fans were unconvinced. They believed that Oprah, as a producer, had the power to step in and make things right but failed to do so, leading to the public outcry.

The Road Ahead for Taraji P. Henson

Despite the blacklisting and setbacks, Taraji’s decision to go independent signals a new chapter in her career. She has already started building her own empire, and her new production company promises to give her the creative freedom she has long deserved. With a first-look deal with BET and a vision for diversifying the industry, Taraji is on her way to taking full control of her future.

Her bold move is not just about reclaiming her career—it’s about setting an example for future generations of actors who refuse to be silenced or undervalued. By stepping out of the shadows and into her own power, Taraji P. Henson is proving that the only way to truly succeed in Hollywood is to carve your own path.

As she continues to take a stand for herself and others, the world will be watching to see just how far Taraji can go. One thing is for sure: the industry may have tried to silence her, but Taraji P. Henson is back and stronger than ever.