Taraji P. Henson Says Firing Whole Team After 'Empire' Was Her Best Business Move
Taraji P. Henson has revealed that one of her smartest business decisions was firing her entire team after "Empire's" conclusion.
The revelation came during a SAG-AFTRA conversation, where Henson said she made the move due to her team's inability to capitalize on the success of "Empire" and the popularity of her fan-favorite character, Cookie Lyon.
"Everybody had to f*****g go," the actress explained. "Where is my deal? Where's my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this? That's why you all haven't seen me in so long. They had nothing set up."
Henson revealed that her then-team only focused on getting her a Cookie-centric show, but plans for the spinoff fell through, and the team failed to secure other significant opportunities for the actress.
Henson candidly explained her frustration, stating, "All they wanted was another Cookie show, and I said, 'I'll do it, but it has to be right. The people deserve... she's too beloved for y'all to f**k it up.' And so, when they didn't get it right, I was like, 'Well, that's it,' and they had nothing else. 'You're all f****n' fired.'"
The actress went on to emphasize the importance of recognizing one's worth and urged fellow actors to understand that they are the "prize" and that their teams work for them.
In response to Henson's revelation, 50 Cent expressed interest in working with her.
The rapper shared on Instagram a screenshot of an article about Henson firing her team and captioned it, "They dropped the ball. F**k 'em, [Taraji P. Henson]. I'm ready to work. Let's get it!"
Henson's role as Cookie earned her a Golden Globe award and two Emmy nods. The Fox musical drama series aired for six seasons from 2015 to 2020.
As Henson continues to receive acclaim for her role in "The Color Purple," the actress has been vocal about the industry's persistent pay disparities, highlighting the challenges faced by Black actors.
In a recent SiriusXM interview, she tearfully discussed the financial struggles and inequality she still encounters in Hollywood, even with her achievements.
"Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it's time to renegotiate, I'm at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I'm tired," she said after being asked if she was still considering quitting acting.
"I'm tired. It wears on you. What does that mean? What is that telling me? If I can't fight for them coming up behind me, then what the f**k am I doing?" Henson added.
