In a recent interview with Essence for the March issue, Chris claims black women have it harder than anyone else in the music business.
Here’s an excerpt for the interview:
The 51-year-old comedian also reflects on the challenges facing Black actresses in Hollywood. “I’ve never done a movie, any movie, the silliest movie, where someone, some studio person hasn’t gone, ‘Does the girl have to be Black?’ It happens every time,” he says. “Black women get paid less than everybody in Hollywood. Everybody’s talking about Jennifer Lawrence. Talk to Gabrielle Union. If you want to hear stories, talk to Nia Long. Talk to Kerry Washington. They would love to get to Jennifer Lawrence’s place, or just be treated with the same amount of respect.”
So what has he done about the disparity? “I think everything I’ve ever done has had a significant role for a Black or brown woman. I refuse not to,” he says. “I’ve never gone into battle without a Black woman, you know, a movie battle. With Tichina Arnold in Everybody Hates Chris, I had to fight for Tichina. I’m not even going to tell you who the network wanted. She’s literally as good as Tina Fey or Julia Louis-Dreyfus or any of these chicks. They’re like, ‘Tichina who’?’”
Spotted at Talk Your Ish Blog
Yeah if he wants to be pro black, he should have paid the Oscars dust but whatever.
Agreed. I hate that him and a few black celebs are gonna show up and do damage control for the Oscars.
I’m glad he said this because too many people were trying to downplay how black women are treating in the business.
He should not breach a contract. He’s a producer. He knows he’d be sued. He made a commitment before the boycott. I respect a man of his word.
I can only IMAGINE who the network wanted instead of Tichina. They’re shortsighted. Her comedic timing is everything. I’m glad he fought for her.
“I quit! My husband has TWO jobs!!” I literally use that line everywhere (even tho my hubs only has 1 job)
For me, it means “I don’t have to be bothered. My man holds me DOWN. He gets it DONE!” It tickles me every time I think of her saying it and the way she said it. LOL!
Anyway she’s an OG. They better recognize.
Chris has always been very pro black and vocal on the issues. He’s still hosting the Oscars because he plans on dragging them. Watch and see.
Thank you!!!!
Exactly. The storm has quieted down for now but once it’s time for the Oscars, KABOOM!! All hell gon break loose I can see it now.
Well said.
Y’all really think Chris is going to be up there c–ning for white folks? Lol no, he has something up his sleeve for them and although I won’t be watching, I can’t wait to see the clips! Of course, he has to fulfill his contract and I’m pretty sure that check will be amazing. Go Chris!