Taraji P. Henson’s comments about how Black actresses are treated in Hollywood caused a stir among many of her colleagues. Most of them agreed with her and revealed their own stories of working twice as hard for half as much, but one person whose response caused some backlash is Vivica A. Fox.
Amid all the discussions about pay inequality, in January, the “Independence Day” star told TMZ, “I didn’t have that experience. But to get your peace out is important. I totally understand that and I love my girls for looking out for each other. But I’m good.”
Some fans felt like she wasn’t supportive enough of her fellow actresses, criticizing her for dismissing their concerns.
Now, Fox is clarifying her previous comments. During an interview with Loren LaRosa of “Brown Girl Grinding,” the “Kill Bill” actress explained that she focuses on the work until the production is over because there’s always some kind of problem on-set.
“Listen, every set’s not gonna be pleasurable,” Fox said. “You gon’ get there and there’s gonna be some surprises. The trailer ain’t right or something’s not right. You push through because what’s more important to myself is the work and getting the work done.”
“As a producer, you gotta make your days—you got 12 hours. “You don’t make your day, you’re not going to be working that much anymore. So you learn to push through. So when I said ‘I’m good,’ I’m a worker bee. I have a tendency to not complain, that I do the work.”
“I do the work, I complain afterward, I pick up the phone—if there’s a problem, I call my people. That’s what they’re there for. That’s how they’re supposed to earn their money.”
First of all, Henson, Mo’Nique, Issa Rae and Keke Palmer are advocating for themselves, not complaining. Secondly, what Fox is describing is something Black women know all too well. We’re used to just pushing through all the BS and getting the work done because we have other things to worry about.
However, if you keep doing that, nothing ever changes.
While Fox has been working steadily for decades, she and Henson aren’t on the same level of success. This isn’t shade…this is just where they are. These women are trying to set up a solid foundation for the next generation of artists. It would be great if they didn’t have to power through the BS just to get stuff done.
