Update 12/21/2023 6:58am:
Keke Palmer has expressed solidarity with Taraji P. Henson following Henson's candid remarks about the challenges of being underpaid as a Black actress. Palmer, in response to Henson's comments, shared a thread by actress-comedian Robin Thede on financial issues faced by Black actresses. On Instagram, Palmer explained the financial dynamics in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for diverse income streams beyond acting. Palmer, known for her versatility, outlined her roles as an actor, influencer, host, singer, and speaker, reflecting the reality of maintaining multiple jobs in the industry.
She underscored the prevalence of such practices across various professions and emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in navigating challenges. Palmer acknowledged the shared struggles within industries and the impact of corporate structures. Her comments align with Henson's recent interview discussing the undervaluation of Black actresses in the entertainment sector.
Keke's response can be read in full below:
The entertainment industry is just like any other industry. We run businesses to keep our brands afloat, us being the brand/business. And it’s that team of company members that decrease any assumed large lump sum. This includes monthly expenses just like everyone else. In the words of biggie “more money more problems.”
To make money you must spend money so what seems like a lot is taken by a lot. There is still privilege in this depending what vantage point you are seeing from, but in our industry amongst one another this is nuetralized.
This is why no one can really have one job anymore! People working outside of the entertainment industry may do Uber eats, postmastes, accountant part time, substitute teacher every other week etc.
For an entertainment career you may be like me, an actor, influencer, host, singer, speaker etc. I keep a job because I HAVE to haha. We ALL work multiple jobs and we may like some but also because we HAVE to. To be successful and live in America it’s literally this way because of the cash to expense ratio and this is why entrepreneurship is so important but that in itself is expensive! Having one job for anyone is not really an option no matter what industry unless you are like the top top top TOP earner and I mean that’s like Bill Gates and them I suppose. Idk because I can’t relate haha!
I am not complaining or comparing but I acknowledge that we all have similar struggles in our industries and it’s because corporations run everything and they aren’t people.
Original 12/21/2023 1:01am:
Taraji P. Henson expressed her exhaustion with accepting roles that don't provide adequate compensation during a recent SiriusXM interview with Gayle King. In a tearful conversation, Henson, known for her acclaimed roles in films like Hidden Figures and Hustle & Flow, shared her frustration about not receiving fair pay despite her hard work. She emphasized the financial challenges actors face, debunking the misconception that a $10 million salary translates directly to their bank account. Henson discussed the impact of taxes and team expenses, revealing the financial strain on actors.
This isn't the first time she's raised this issue, having previously discussed her earnings for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button on The Real. Henson, who plays Shug Avery in The Color Purple musical, highlighted the ongoing struggle for fair compensation and the toll it takes on her and fellow actresses.
