**Mo’Nique Opens Up on Club Shay Shay: Feuds with Oprah, Tyler Perry, and More**
In a recent candid interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, comedian and actress Mo’Nique aired her grievances with several high-profile Hollywood figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Kevin Hart.
The interview has since sparked widespread discussion, shedding light on Mo’Nique’s long-standing issues within the industry and her ongoing battles for respect and fair treatment.
### The Origins of the Feud
Mo’Nique’s issues with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry stem from her role in the critically acclaimed film “Precious.” Mo’Nique revealed that she was paid only $50,000 for her role, a favor to her friend and director Lee Daniels, given the film’s status as an independent project. However, once Oprah and Tyler Perry began financially backing the film, it gained significant traction. Despite fulfilling her contractual obligations to promote the film domestically, Mo’Nique refused to promote it overseas without additional compensation, a decision that she believes led to her being labeled as “difficult to work with.”
### Oprah’s Betrayal
The tension between Mo’Nique and Oprah deepened when Oprah invited Mo’Nique’s dysfunctional family onto her show without her consent. This included her brother, who had molested her as a child, and her parents, with whom she had a strained relationship. Mo’Nique described this as the ultimate betrayal, highlighting how Oprah prioritized ratings over her well-being. In the interview, Mo’Nique shared her shock and disappointment:
“When Oprah Winfrey called me up and said she got a call from my brother wanting to apologize for molesting me, I told her I wanted nothing to do with it. Yet, she went ahead and featured my family without informing me, exploiting my trauma for her show.”
### Accusations of Jealousy and Undermining
Mo’Nique also accused Oprah of professional jealousy and undermining her career. She cited instances where roles initially offered to her were later given to Oprah. One notable example is the role in “The Butler,” which was initially offered to Mo’Nique but eventually played by Oprah. Mo’Nique expressed her frustration, stating:
“Lee Daniels offered me the role in ‘The Butler,’ but later said Oprah wanted it. It seems roles offered to me somehow ended up with Oprah.”
### Tyler Perry’s Role
Tyler Perry’s involvement in Mo’Nique’s alleged blackballing is another significant point of contention. According to Mo’Nique, Perry admitted in a phone conversation that he found working with her on “Precious” difficult, despite positive feedback from other industry professionals. Mo’Nique shared an audio clip where Perry acknowledged his reluctance to work with her again, admitting he told others she was difficult.
“Tyler Perry told David [E.] Talbert that working with me was difficult, affecting my chances for future roles,” Mo’Nique said. “He admitted to starting a rumor about me, costing my family millions.”
### Failed Attempts at Reconciliation
Several industry figures attempted to mediate between Mo’Nique and Tyler Perry, but these efforts proved futile. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton and singer Stephanie Mills both tried to facilitate reconciliation, but ultimately backed away. Mo’Nique revealed:
“Al Sharpton initially offered support, but later distanced himself. Stephanie Mills tried to mediate, but Tyler Perry refused to meet without an apology from me, which I felt was unwarranted.”
### Kevin Hart’s Involvement
Mo’Nique also called out Kevin Hart for his role in the ongoing saga. Initially, Hart offered to work with Mo’Nique and help mend fences with Tyler Perry. However, according to Mo’Nique, Hart later distanced himself, allegedly due to pressure from his management. Mo’Nique recounted:
“Kevin Hart initially offered support, saying he’d partner with me on projects. But after a call from his manager, he distanced himself, despite earlier assurances.”
### The Larger Issue of Industry Dynamics
Mo’Nique’s grievances reflect broader issues within the entertainment industry, including the treatment of Black women and the power dynamics at play. Her experiences highlight how quickly relationships can sour and how professional opportunities can be affected by personal conflicts.
Despite the challenges, Mo’Nique remains resilient and outspoken, demanding accountability and fair treatment. Her interview on Club Shay Shay is a poignant reminder of the struggles many face in Hollywood and the need for systemic change.
### Conclusion
Mo’Nique’s revelations on Club Shay Shay provide a sobering look at her tumultuous journey in Hollywood. Her candid discussion about her feuds with Oprah, Tyler Perry, and Kevin Hart underscores the complexities of industry relationships and the personal and professional toll of being labeled “difficult.” As the conversation around fair treatment and accountability in Hollywood continues, Mo’Nique’s story serves as a powerful testament to the challenges many artists face behind the scenes.
