Relax, it seems like Oprah might be in for a tough year as Fantasia and other cast members have criticized her for allegedly mishandling funds intended for The Color Purple cast and reportedly neglecting their needs on set. Now, if you’re familiar with Fantasia, you know she typically avoids drama and keeps to herself. So, the fact that she’s speaking out about this suggests that things were genuinely challenging on set. And to add to the chaos, Teraji and Danielle Brooks have also called out Oprah for making them endure lengthy daily commutes without security and for making them share a single trailer. Seriously, considering the movie’s reported $100 million budget, where did all that money disappear to?
So, as many of you are probably aware, Oprah has been facing criticism online recently after Taraji P. Henson appeared to call her out for offering inadequate pay for her role in The Color Purple. Henson even mentioned she nearly walked away from the project due to the disrespectful initial offer. She expressed her frustration, questioning where her raise was and emphasizing the importance of standing up for fair treatment, not just for herself but for others in the industry. She highlighted the need for mutual support and understanding, acknowledging the complexity of human diversity and the importance of finding solutions together. In essence, she encouraged a positive outlook, reminding everyone to see the glass as half full.
After Teraji dropped this major revelation, she went silent for a while, refusing to elaborate further. Surprisingly, she then softened her stance by sharing a heartfelt message on her Instagram, praising Oprah as a beacon of light. However, she reignited her criticism of Oprah by exposing the inconvenience faced by cast members who were required to drive themselves in rental cars to the set every day. This became a significant concern due to the long hours of work, ranging from 12 to 15 hours, leaving actors too fatigued to safely drive home afterward. The lack of security during these late-night drives also heightened the risk of robbery. Additionally, since the vehicles were rentals, any damages incurred had to be covered by the actors themselves. Teraji expressed frustration, stating that driving to the Atlanta set posed an insurance liability and safety hazard. She advocated for drivers or security to transport her, emphasizing that such accommodations shouldn’t be unreasonable requests. She highlighted the ongoing challenges faced on the set of Empire, including battling for bug-free trailers.
This incident sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing Oprah harshly for allowing it to occur. One individual remarked, “If Teraji hadn’t spoken up, they’d be responsible for their own transportation to and from the set, which is incredibly risky. Actors often spend long hours on set, leaving them sleep-deprived. It’s unreasonable to expect them to drive home after 16-hour workdays. It’s a complete mess.” Just when it seemed the unsettling tales from the film’s set couldn’t worsen, other cast members began revealing alarming details about their experiences.
During an interview to promote “The Color Purple,” Danielle Brooks, Oprah, and Teraji addressed some challenging experiences they faced. Danielle confronted Oprah on the spot about the difficult circumstances they endured. She disclosed that during the initial weeks of rehearsals, neither she, Hiy, Fantasia, Teraji, nor any of the other women were provided individual trailers. Instead, they had to share one trailer, lacking privacy for changing or preparing for set. The situation worsened as they weren’t given any food or water during their long 12 to 15-hour workdays. They had to bring their own sustenance or go hungry. Oprah seemed visibly irked by Danielle’s revelations and swiftly defended herself, claiming ignorance of the situation until she was informed. She assured that she promptly addressed the issues once she became aware. Danielle commended Oprah’s swift action, acknowledging her as a guiding voice who rectified the situation. This highlighted the importance of having advocates in the industry to address such challenges.
In the realm of independent films, I’ve mostly been accustomed to taking what comes my way, thrilled just to be part of the experience. However, stepping into my first studio film, there were moments where I could have easily slipped into that passive acceptance. Yet, you taught me the power of speaking up, of asserting ourselves. What’s truly remarkable is the genuine sisterhood you’ve fostered; it’s palpable and sincere, devoid of any pretense.
It’s disheartening that the issues we faced weren’t immediately addressed, as if they were somehow acceptable grievances to be endured silently. The outcry wasn’t merely about basic needs like transportation or sustenance; it was about the fundamental respect owed to every member of the cast and crew. Some rightly questioned why such basic necessities had to be demanded rather than provided as a matter of course. It’s bewildering that it took repeated complaints from the entire cast before any action was taken. Why should anyone, especially under the auspices of someone as esteemed as Oprah, have to endure such neglect, particularly when we’re all meant to be collaborating in the same space?
Fantasia has also entered the conversation, corroborating the claims made by Danielle and Teraji about being denied food and forced to share the same trailer. According to sources, Fantasia asserts that these experiences are just a few examples of the numerous challenges they all faced. Additionally, sources suggest that Fantasia’s reluctance to publicly confront Oprah stems from their longstanding professional relationship, dating back to 2007 when Fantasia starred as Cely in The Color Purple on Broadway. Allegedly, Fantasia didn’t want to jeopardize her relationship with Oprah by speaking out publicly, but she fully supports Danielle and Teraji’s statements regarding Oprah.
What’s exacerbating people’s anger in this entire scenario is the revelation that the film’s budget is estimated at $100 million. This substantial sum suggests there was more than adequate funds available to cater to the needs of the cast. However, Oprah and the other producers opted to cut corners in production costs, seemingly to bolster their own pockets. Predictably, public outrage ensued, particularly directed at Oprah. One critic questioned, “Why the protective shield around Oprah? As a producer and integral part of the production team, she was fully aware of the deplorable conditions and seemingly expected silence from the cast, merely grateful to be associated with her and the project.” Another voice chimed in, “People are hailing Oprah as a savior, but this level of care should have been inherent from the outset. It’s as if they toss us crumbs initially to gauge our compliance. There should have been no need for intervention; issues should have been addressed as they arose, setting a standard of excellence from the start. It’s about knowing one’s worth and demanding proper treatment. Can you imagine Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, or Beyoncé tolerating anything less than royal treatment? It’s nonsensical. Their talents alone rake in millions for the movie; they shouldn’t have to wait until after the fact to assert their worth.”
What are your opinions on Fantasia and the rest of the cast confronting Oprah for the challenges they faced on set? Do you believe Oprah was unaware of the issues, or did she purposefully neglect their needs, expecting them to cope? Share your thoughts in the comments, and remember to check out the linked video for more insight.