Oprah Winfrey addresses concerns and clarifies her support for Taraji P. Henson after 'The Colour Purple' star voices concerns about production as well as other challenges in Hollywood.
Oprah Winfrey is addressing recent comments made by Taraji P. Henson, who starred in The Color Purple. Henson has been candidly discussing the hurdles she has encountered in Hollywood, despite her established status as a female actor in the industry. The former Empire star has highlighted the wage gap issue and recounted her struggle to secure transportation to the musical set.
Winfrey, who serves as an executive producer for the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, became a trending topic on social media. Many people questioned why the media mogul didn't take action or step in to address the situation.
“I heard I was trending yesterday. People were saying I was not supporting Taraji,” Winfrey said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Golden Globes. “Taraji will tell you herself that I’ve been the greatest champion of this film, championing not only the behind-the-scenes production but also everything that everybody needed.”
She continued, “Whenever I heard that there was something that people needed — I’m not in charge of the budget because that’s Warner Bros., that’s the way the studio system works and we as producers, everybody gets their salary that’s negotiated by your team.”
Winfrey emphasized that whenever she was made aware of issues related to transportation or catering, she took immediate action to rectify the situation. She mentioned that Taraji P. Henson “would vouch for that and say that it’s true.”
“I am all for everybody being the greatest and meeting the rising of their own life,” she added.
Winfrey also addressed the rumors suggesting tension between her and Henson during a photo call at the Empire State Building. The former daytime talk show host explained that it was an especially cold day, and her actions were merely an attempt to stay warm.
“There’s no validity to their being a thing between Taraji and I,” Winfrey said.
Watch Oprah Winfrey's complete statement in the video below.