- Oprah Winfrey denies feud with Taraji P. Henson and claims that she addressed poor set conditions during The Color Purple.
- Both Henson and co-star Danielle Brooks had raised concerns about the on-set conditions.
- Winfrey asserts that she championed the film’s production needs, like rental cars and food for the cast and crew.
Oprah Winfrey recently confronted allegations of unsatisfactory on-set conditions and claims of a feud with Taraji P. Henson while filming this year’s musical, The Color Purple. In a conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Winfrey defended herself from the rumors and said she had been fighting for the cast and crew’s needs throughout filming.
Winfrey said, “People are saying that I was not supporting Taraji. Taraji will tell you herself that I’ve been the greatest champion of this film. Championing not only the behind the scenes projection but also everything that everybody needed. So whenever I heard that there was something that someone needed … I’m not in charge of the budget because that’s Warner Bros. That’s the way the studio system works.”
As a star in the 1985 version of The Color Purple and producer of the 2023 remake, Winfrey confirmed that she was proactive in addressing issues, such as rental cars and catering, and did everything within her power “to make it right.”
Taraji P. Henson, portraying Shug Avery in the film, discussed her struggles with The New York Times. She initially complained about being supplied with rental cars to drive to the set in Atlanta, describing it as an “insurance liability.” Henson also revealed how she fought for improved working conditions by speaking directly to those in charge about various concerns.
Danielle Brooks, another star in the film, also voiced her issues during the movie’s production. She mentioned the lack of dressing rooms and catering and said that Oprah had resolved these matters upon hearing the complaints. Brooks remarked, “[Taraji] was our voice. This was my first studio film. Sometimes you do come in saying, ‘OK, I’ll take whatever they give me. I’m just happy to be here.’ But [Taraji] spoke up for us. You showed me how to do that.”
The Color Purple was released in theaters on December 25, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures.