Man. Paramount was ready to sign you on the dotted line, but only if you played ball in a dress. Whatever happened to integrity? Huh, how many brothers need to don a dress before we question the trend? It seems like every actor on TV has slipped into one. Sha, Sha, Shaie, it just ain’t happening.
The Truth
The truth was right in front of us, but we chose to ignore it. Criticize Cat Williams all you want, but he spoke honestly about the pervasive trend of men wearing dresses in movies. It’s a matter of setting boundaries and sticking to them, and Williams has always been vocal about his unwillingness to cross those lines.
Choice and Integrity
Some, like Kevin Hart, might dismiss this issue as irrelevant, but there’s a deeper meaning to it. I once said I would never wear a dress, but when presented with what I thought was a funny opportunity, I reconsidered. Ultimately, it’s all about choice. No one forces an actor to wear a dress; it’s a personal decision. No one made Martin Lawrence wear a dress in “Big Mama’s House,” or Tyler Perry as Madea, or Jamie Foxx as Wanda. It’s a choice, plain and simple.
Integrity vs. Money
Choosing to wear a dress isn’t just a superficial decision. It often comes down to a compromise of integrity. Money has a way of making people do things they’d otherwise avoid. Steve Harvey once suggested he’d do almost anything for money, including sacrificing his dignity. This is a stark reminder that money can influence even the most principled individuals.
Kevin Hart’s choice to wear a dress in “To Wong Foo” is a case in point. Despite initially resisting, Hart’s career soared after taking on the role. It’s a reality that can’t be ignored: financial success often comes with a price.
Martin Lawrence and Big Mama’s House
Martin Lawrence tried to get me into a dress for “Big Mama’s House 2.” He even promised we’d do a buddy cop film together. But when he returned, the script he presented was not what I had agreed to. I questioned why the character needed to be in a dress again, given the numerous roles he had already played. I felt it was a misstep, and it was clear they were seeking Brandon T. Jackson for the role instead of me. This incident was a clear example of how the industry tries to push boundaries and expectations.
Conclusion
Cat Williams has always stood by his principles, refusing to conform to what he believes undermines cultural integrity. He’s been criticized for his stance, but he’s remained steadfast. It’s crucial to be wary of the influence of celebrities and not to normalize something that doesn’t align with personal or cultural values. The choice to wear a dress on-screen should remain just that—a choice, not a mandate.
