*The drama over Mo’Nique’s admission of being “blackballed” in Hollywood reached a new chapter as the Oscar winner shed light what exactly happened when “Precious” director and “Empire” co-creator Lee Daniels told her that Hollywood higher ups think she is “difficult” and, thus, don’t want to work with her.
According to Mo’Nique, the conflict with Daniels stems from her not name-dropping anyone, and him in particular, during her Oscar speech for winning best supporting actress.
“We had a conversation after the Oscars and he was heated,” Mo’Nique told “TMZ Live.” “And he said ‘How could you not say my name at the Oscars?’ and as I said to Mr. Daniels in reference to the award, ‘The only reason why brother I did not say your name, and I said it all the other times from the Golden Globes on, you can pull it up, I said ‘Because so many people were involved in that amazing project, it would have be unfair just to say your name.’
Prior to detailing the Oscar drama, Mo’Nique went into how the alleged blackballing affected her getting the chance to play Cookie Lyon on “Empire.”
“There was more of a conversation in reference to why Fox didn’t want to let me play this character because they said ‘You’re difficult,” Mo’Nique explained. “I said, ‘Lee why would you tell them that? You and I have never had any situations.
“And then he said, ‘Mama, you’ve been blackballed,’” she continued. “I said ‘Well why have I been blackballed?’ He said, ‘because you didn’t play the game.; and I said ‘Well what game is that?’ He never answered. And then he said, ‘Well, you’re husband is outbidding you…’”
When asked if it would give her pause, knowing that Daniels is one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, Mo’Nique responded by simply saying, “You know what would give me pause … To be silent.”
To see Mo’Nique’s interview, check out the video below:
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