Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique recently expressed her solidarity with the ongoing actors and writers’ strike in Hollywood.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (July 19), she shared a compilation video of her past interviews, seemingly highlighting her long-standing advocacy for an industry strike. Through her powerful message, she emphasizes the importance of standing up for the rights and fair treatment of artists in the entertainment world.
The video featured a clip from an interview with Steve Harvey, where Mo’Nique delved into her past Netflix boycott. Fearlessly defending her position and confronting her critics, she passionately stood her ground in the discussion.
She said, “Inequality is devastating and it’s extreme. And when people said, ‘Monique, do you think calling a boycott is extreme?’ You d*mn right. But isn’t inequality extreme? I got labeled as difficult because I said one word and that was ‘no.’”
Another notable moment in the compilation footage showed Mo’Nique having a candid sit-down with Roland Martin, where she opened up about her absence from Hollywood and the reasons behind it.
She explained, “It’s not like I couldn’t have been on television or couldn’t have been back in the movies, but the offers just didn’t make sense. And we felt like if we continue to accept the offers that’s coming in, what does that leave the little girl that’s not here yet.”
In her caption, the renowned Precious star solidified her stance, standing in full solidarity with the actors and writers currently engaged in the strike.
She wrote, “HEY MY SWEET BABIES. FOLKS KEEP ASKING ME HOW I FEEL ABOUT THE STRIKE! AS YOU CAN SEE FROM ABOVE I’VE BEEN VERBALLY STRIKING FOR YEARS, BUT SOME OF MY BROTHERS & SISTERS AS THE VIDEO SHOWS HAVE BEEN STRIKING ME DOWN FOR YEARS…BUT, YES I SUPPORT THE WGA & SAG/AFTRA.”
Recently, it was declared that Hollywood actors would embark on a strike after unsuccessful negotiations with AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) regarding their contractual agreements. Additionally, screenwriters have been on strike since May, leading to a historic moment as both actors and writers unite in their walkout together for the first time since 1960.
As per reports, SAG-AFTRA (The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and WGA (Writers Guild of America) are advocating for pay and residual increments for streaming content. Additionally, both parties are seeking protection against the potential replacement of their work by artificial intelligence (AI).
Continuing, Mo’Nique addressed her lawsuit against Paramount and CBS concerning unpaid royalties from her beloved sitcom The Parkers. She expressed, “THATS WHY @countessdvaughn & I FILED A LAWSUIT TO GET OUR MONEY FROM THE PARKERS!!! @countessdvaughn WE ARE THE PARKERS!!! I LOVE US 4REAL!!!”
As mentioned earlier, the comedian filed a lawsuit against the network this year for withholding her pay. According to court documents, Mo’Nique and her husband’s production company, Hicks Media, cited a breach of contract, holding CBS Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Big Ticket Television accountable for the unjust financial practices.
The paperwork (allegedly) read: “While the Series has proven to be a major financial success for its producers and distributors, the series’ talent have not been permitted to share in the fruits of that success.”
In the caption for the post about her lawsuit, Mo’Nique wrote, “Today we filed a lawsuit to make sure that we are fairly paid money that we are owed for ‘The Parkers.’ Actors rely on the good faith of Hollywood companies to honor their profit participation agreements. The Parkers was a huge success and continues to be a source of revenue through syndication and streaming channels.”
She added, “To further make my point, the Executive Producers of ‘The Parkers’ took legal action for the same concerns that I have, and they’ve already settled. Unfortunately, all too often, talent gets kept in the dark. We’re looking forward to shedding some light on the subject! I LOVE US 4REAL!!”
How do you feel about Mo’Nique expressing her solidarity with the actors and writers during the strike? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
XXX
Fharnell M.
