Taraji P. Henson Raises Concerns Over Lack of Transportation Support for “The Color Purple” Cast

This comes on the heels of a previously resolved pay dispute where Henson, alongside the cast, had concerns about their salaries. The intervention of Oprah Winfrey, an executive producer of the film, facilitated the resolution of the payment issue.

Henson’s latest grievance revolves around the lack of chauffeured transportation to the set while filming in Atlanta. In an interview with the New York Times, she emphasized the potential safety hazards of driving herself, stating, “They gave us rental cars, and I was like, ‘I can’t drive myself to the set in Atlanta.’ This is insurance liability; it’s dangerous. Now they’re robbing people. What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car?”

The acclaimed actress raised a valid point about the need for equal treatment, emphasizing that her request for a driver or security was not an extravagant demand. However, the production company reportedly responded that providing such services for her would necessitate extending the same to everyone.

Henson expressed frustration, stating, “It’s stuff like that, stuff I shouldn’t have to fight for. I was on the set of ‘Empire’ fighting for trailers that weren’t infested with bugs.”

This battle for equal treatment in the industry has taken a toll on Henson’s mental health. “It wears on your soul because you fight so hard to establish a name for yourself and be respected in this town to no avail,” she shared.

Support for Henson poured in from her fans, who echoed her concerns about the potential danger of stars driving themselves in unfamiliar cities, particularly in a place like Atlanta with high crime rates. The sentiment on social media reflected a consensus that Henson’s request for proper transportation was not unreasonable but a matter of basic safety and respect for the cast.

Taraji P. Henson who played Shug Avery in the 2023 musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” has expressed dissatisfaction with a production company’s decision to provide rental cars instead of proper transportation support for the cast in Atlanta.

This comes on the heels of a previously resolved pay dispute where Henson, alongside the cast, had concerns about their salaries. The intervention of Oprah Winfrey, an executive producer of the film, facilitated the resolution of the payment issue.

Henson’s latest grievance revolves around the lack of chauffeured transportation to the set while filming in Atlanta. In an interview with the New York Times, she emphasized the potential safety hazards of driving herself, stating, “They gave us rental cars, and I was like, ‘I can’t drive myself to the set in Atlanta.’ This is insurance liability; it’s dangerous. Now they’re robbing people. What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car?”

The acclaimed actress raised a valid point about the need for equal treatment, emphasizing that her request for a driver or security was not an extravagant demand. However, the production company reportedly responded that providing such services for her would necessitate extending the same to everyone.

Henson expressed frustration, stating, “It’s stuff like that, stuff I shouldn’t have to fight for. I was on the set of ‘Empire’ fighting for trailers that weren’t infested with bugs.”

This battle for equal treatment in the industry has taken a toll on Henson’s mental health. “It wears on your soul because you fight so hard to establish a name for yourself and be respected in this town to no avail,” she shared.

Support for Henson poured in from her fans, who echoed her concerns about the potential danger of stars driving themselves in unfamiliar cities, particularly in a place like Atlanta with high crime rates. The sentiment on social media reflected a consensus that Henson’s request for proper transportation was not unreasonable but a matter of basic safety and respect for the cast.