When responding to the 'Color Purple' star's complaint about pay disparity in Hollywood, the 'City of Angels' alum insists that she's 'good' as she didn't have that same experience as Henson.
- Jan 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - Vivica A. Fox had a shocking response to Taraji P. Henson's recent comments about pay disparity in Hollywood and it has started a new online debate. The "Independence Day" star has faced backlash after saying that she can't relate to her former "Empire" co-star's career struggles.
In a video published by TMZ on Monday, January 8, Fox was signing autographs for fans when she was asked about the discussion of equal pay that was initiated by Henson. "You know, darling, to each his own. I'm very happy, very blessed," she responded with a shrug.
Insisting that she didn't have the same same experience as Henson, the 59-year-old added, "To each his own. I didn't have that experience, you know?" She went on noting, "But to, uh, get your peace out is important. I totally understand that. And I love my girls for looking our for each other. But, I'm good!"
After the video circulated online, social media users quickly weighed in on Fox's apparent indifference to the issue. "She didn't have that experience because she has not acted on the level Taraji has. She has not reached the levels Taraji has reached," one person shaded her.
Another similarly said of the "Kill Bill" actress' career, "her Career don't even compare." A third critic said, "I mean Vivica can't relate because she only did like 1 or 2 big motion pictures," while a fourth dissed her, "Mean girl energy Iont [sic] like that s**t."
Some others, however, claimed that Fox wasn't wrong as she was just saying from her point of view. "Vivica is in 5 lifetime movies a yr with a executive producer title. She most likely is good," one supporter argued. Another claimed, "Vivica may have had better management who worked her deals better. I ain't mad at her."
Hitting back at the critics, one other penned, "Are ya'll crazy?? She's probably STILL collecting checks from Independence Day! She's speaking from HER point of view.. she's been working more than 30yrs. Old money .. how yall gone judge how she ANSWERED the question in VIVICA's way.. I see no problem here."
Someone defended Fox, "Cuz you were smart about starting that wig line years ago. You do commercials... You hustle. People have to go for multiple streams...." Another person added, "Vivica has a resume but what people fail to realize is she produces movies, directs and is an entrepreneur! That's a different kind of bag."
Henson got candid about pay disparity in December 2023, claiming she was "getting paid a fraction of the cost" of white women and constantly finding herself "at the bottom" in contractual negotiations. She admitted she considered walking away from acting because she was so "tired" of the situation.
After receiving support from fellow actors, including Keke Palmer, the 53-year-old was pleased people have finally taken notice of her experiences. "I don't know why people decided to hear the words [this time], maybe it was the emotion attached to it. But like I said in the interview, I'm just tired of us having that same conversation. Something's gotta give," she told Entertainment Tonight earlier this month.
Recently, she revealed that she fought for "The Color Purple" cast to be given drivers. "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," she told The New York Times newspaper.
Henson also claimed that she was given a trailer invested with bugs on the set of "Empire". She expressed her frustration at such situations "because you fight so hard to establish a name for yourself and be respected in this town to no avail."
