Gabrielle Union joins in on fight for pay equity

Taraji P. Henson set off a firestorm along with her candid feedback about Black actresses being undervalued and underpaid, and Gabrielle Union has joined the dialog with a robust assertion. Via a viral TikTok video, Union has make clear Black actresses’ challenges within the leisure business.

Within the TikTok video, Union expresses that her experiences as an actress and producer have been marked by being mistaken for different Black actresses, missing weight given to box-office numbers, and being solid in roles a lot youthful than her age. She additionally expressed concern about her skill to retire comfortably as a result of being persistently underpaid.

Gabrielle Union does the viral pattern supporting Black Actresses in Hollywoodhttps://t.co/DTvITkvjc6 pic.twitter.com/pq6j1vTm2w

— Lure Cash Kobe (@TrapMoneyKobe_) December 26, 2023

Union’s voice provides to a rising refrain of Black actresses talking out towards the inequity they face.

Taraji P. Henson lately addressed the problem on Gayle’s City Corridor, which aired on Radio Andy powered by SiriusXM. Within the video, Henson turns into emotional and bravely addresses what goes on behind the scenes.

“I’m simply uninterested in working so arduous, being gracious at what I do and being paid a fraction of the associated fee,” Henson mentioned. “I’m uninterested in listening to my sisters say the identical factor time and again. I hear individuals say, ‘You’re employed lots.’ Properly, I’ve to. The maths ain’t mathing.”

@groovymovi

Taraji P. Henson tears up speaking about nonetheless being underpaid in Hollywood regardless of being within the business for over 20 years. #tarajiphenson #thecolorpurple #hollywood #underpaid #fyp #blackactress

♬ unique sound – 🔮Groovy Movi🔮

Keke Palmer later supported Henson’s stance on Instagram, stating, “The leisure business is rather like every other business. We run companies to maintain our manufacturers afloat, us being the model or enterprise,” Palmer mentioned.

“It’s that crew of firm members that decreases any assumed massive lump sum. This contains month-to-month bills, similar to everybody else. Within the phrases of Biggie, ‘More cash, extra issues.’ To become profitable, you could spend cash, so what looks as if lots takes lots. There may be nonetheless privilege on this relying on what vantage level you might be seeing from, however in our business amongst each other, that is neutralized. For this reason nobody can have one job anymore … I’m not complaining or evaluating, however I acknowledge that all of us have related struggles in our industries as a result of companies run all the things, and so they aren’t individuals.”Whereas Union, Palmer, and Henson addressed their issues, this isn’t the primary time this narrative has been shared. Viola Davis has been vocal about the identical points through the years..

@user25505854634808

This was in 2018 Viola spoke out about being referred to as the Black Meryl Streep however paid manner much less! See,Monique not solely spoke out, earlier than Taraji, Viola Davis spoke out, Gabrielle Union sued BET for her pay. This dialog had alot of yt ladies within the viewers uncomfortable however its a difficulty that must be dicussed! #blackpay #underpaid #undervalued #blacklivesmatter #tarajiphenson #oprahwinfrey #thecolorpurple

♬ unique sound – Ari

Thankfully, individuals in all places at the moment are beginning to interact on this dialogue extra actively. The TikTok pattern has sparked a renewed curiosity in addressing the underrepresentation and underpayment of Black actresses. It’s a step towards making a extra inclusive and equitable business.