The drama in Hollywood never seems to end, and the latest controversy involves none other than Oprah Winfrey, with renowned rapper 50 Cent and actor Denzel Washington now joining the fray. They’ve teamed up to expose alleged exploitation of Black actresses in the industry, with 50 Cent backing actress Taraji P. Henson’s recent claims.

The situation escalated when Taraji P. Henson, known for her roles in Benjamin Button and Hustle & Flow, accused Oprah of underpaying her for her role in the new film The Color Purple. In an interview with Gail King, Taraji shared her frustration, revealing that her salary had stagnated over the past six years, despite her success in films like Proud Mary. She felt that Oprah’s initial offer for her role was “disrespectful,” and it nearly pushed her to walk away from the deal altogether. Taraji’s comments highlight broader pay disparities for Black actors in Hollywood, sparking public debate.

Taraji’s emotional revelation shed light on a systemic issue in the industry: many Black actors, including Gabrielle Union and Keke Palmer, have faced similar pay disparities, working harder for less. Taraji explained how she constantly had to fight for fair compensation, a fight that Black actors in Hollywood are all too familiar with.

After Taraji’s revelations, 50 Cent stepped in to support her, posting on Instagram to back her up and offering to collaborate with her in the future. This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has criticized Oprah. Years ago, the rapper accused her of catering to white audiences and sidelining hip-hop culture, even naming his dog after her as part of a long-standing grudge.

This controversy with Taraji only adds to the tension between 50 Cent and Oprah. But Taraji isn’t alone in her struggles. Actress Mo’Nique also faced backlash from Oprah and Tyler Perry after she spoke out about being underpaid for her role in Precious. Mo’Nique claimed she was blacklisted by Hollywood elites, but 50 Cent came to her defense as well.

Denzel Washington has also weighed in on the issue. As a prominent Black actor, he’s no stranger to the dark side of Hollywood. Denzel found himself at the center of controversy when leaked Sony emails suggested that Black actors should not be cast in leading roles to maximize international profits, a discovery that only further highlights the racial disparities that persist in the industry.

As the debate continues, many are questioning the role that powerful figures like Oprah play in perpetuating these inequalities. What are your thoughts on the ongoing controversy involving Taraji P. Henson, Oprah, and 50 Cent’s support? Let us know in the comments.