Taraji P Henson Criticizes The Color Purple for Requiring Cast to Provide Own Transportation

Taraji P. Henson, star of The Color Purple, has publicly criticized the movie and Warner Bros. for their treatment of the actors. The film is based on the popular novel and musical, marking the latest in a string of movie musicals to receive poor marketing. In addition, many of the movie's actors have spoken out about their negative experiences on set, further impacting its reputation.

Taraji P. Henson, known for her roles in Empire, Hidden Figures, and What Men Want, has openly criticized the lack of transportation services for actors to and from the set. Her comments have ignited a debate on social media, prompting important conversations about racism and mistreatment in the Hollywood industry.

Henson had to be the “voice” on The Color Purple set

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Taraji P. Henson revealed that she and her co-stars on The Color Purple faced numerous challenges on set, and she had to fight behind the scenes to address them.

Taraji P. Henson criticizes 'The Color Purple' production for making cast drive themselves to set in rental cars. pic.twitter.com/hblRmzbzji

— Complex (@Complex) January 6, 2024

One instance involved traveling to the Atlanta film set, where the production initially proposed that the cast would have to drive themselves in rental cars. Henson expressed her concerns, stating, "They gave us rental cars, and I was like, ‘I can’t drive myself to set in Atlanta.’ This is insurance liability, it’s dangerous. Now they robbing people. What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car?” This led her to request a driver or security to take her to set, but she was met with resistance. Henson spoke about feeling the need to fight for basic things and the toll it takes on one’s soul after working hard to establish a name and gain respect in the industry.

Henson insisted that Black films have the potential to have a worldwide audience, challenging the decision not to promote them globally. Co-star Danielle Brooks also revealed other issues they faced, such as a lack of food and dressing rooms, which Henson helped address.

The comments have ignited a debate on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the rights of actors on set. One user dismissively pointed out, "You know who else drives themselves to set? The crew members. And their physical labor is much more intense than acting. Get over it." Meanwhile, others have used the discussion to address ongoing issues within the entertainment industry. Take a look at the various comments below:

Many may not be aware, but it is customary for lead actors in a project of this magnitude to have a designated driver or talent assistant for their safety, especially after long shooting days lasting 10+ hours. This is not in line with the expected behavior for a big budget film.

Even for low-budget projects, actors are provided with Uber Black car service to and from set, promotional events, or their homes. This expense seems excessive for a movie that is expected to earn millions at the box office. https://t.co/Rb4ZC6OTtE

— Roc Nation Refugee (@Pragmatism14) January 6, 2024

Is this a joke? Women drive themselves to work every day in Atlanta. Is she more special than them?

— Sarah Sansoni (@sarahsansoni) January 7, 2024

Why did she even do the damn movie if she was going to complain about it every chance she gets? They could've found another actress. ‍️

— Tracey (@sweetsucre) January 6, 2024

I worked as a production assistant for a commercial, which involved driving the cast and crew from their hotel to the set. It's a small task considering it's a 100 million dollar budget film.

Henson remarked, "I don't always play the race card," but comparing the treatment of the cast of The Color Purple to that of another big-budget female-led film like Barbie, which included cast slumber parties and treats on set, does raise concerns about the alleged treatment of The Color Purple's cast.

You can catch The Color Purple in theaters now. For more information about the movie, click here, and check out our extensive Movies & TV coverage.

Editor's P/S

As an ardent fan of Taraji P. Henson and her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, I stand firmly in support of her recent criticism of the production behind "The Color Purple." It is disheartening to learn that the cast, including Henson herself, faced such mistreatment and lack of basic amenities on set. The fact that they were expected to drive themselves to and from the set in rental cars, without proper transportation services, is not only unacceptable but also raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the actors.

Henson's courage in speaking out against these issues and advocating for the rights and fair treatment of actors is commendable. Her experience sheds light on the systemic problems that persist within the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the treatment of Black actors and the lack of support for their projects. It is essential that production companies and studios prioritize the safety and well-being of their cast and crew, and ensure that they are provided with the necessary resources and support to perform their jobs effectively.