“You lied to me my entire career” - Taraji P Henson calls out Hollywood for lying about Black movies not selling overseas

Taraji P. Henson, 54, has been vocal about the barriers Black actors face in Hollywood. In many interviews, she has used her voice to highlight crucial issues, highlighting the need of the hour.

According to a May 2025 Variety report, the actress spoke with Stacy L. Smith, the founder of Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The conversation was for a Kering Women in Motion Talk.

Admitting how the industry discouraged her, Taraji P. Henson discussed the myth that Black-led films do not perform and sell well internationally.

Remembering the international press tour for Empire, she said:

"When I did the international press for Empire, up until then I was told Black doesn’t translate overseas. Really? We went to Paris. Lee Daniels kept me a secret to the audience at a Q&A. The fans started asking the Cookie questions and he said, 'Why don’t you ask her.'"

The Abbott Elementary actress further continued:

"Before he could finish saying my name, the entire room erupted in applause and was screaming. For me? I got up on the stage and I ugly-faced cried. The myth was busting. You lied to me my entire career. I leave the stage and there are fans outside who know my name. That changed the game."

Taraji P Henson held Hollywood accountable for lying about Black movies not doing well in foreign countries

During her conversation with Stacy, Henson reflected on facing challenges due to a visible dearth of well-written and impactful roles. Additionally, artists still struggle for better pay, and Black women find it difficult to gain acclaim.

Taraji P Henson expressed:

"I was just frustrated and it was making me bitter, and I’m not a bitter person. I made a promise to myself if I ever got there then it’s time to walk away. I’m not serving myself or the audience or the characters I play. Thank god I did that. I came back refreshed and with a new perspective."

Later, the Person of Interest actress clarified her motivation to join the glamorous Hollywood industry. While many aspire to be actors for the accolades, fame, and awards, she joined the industry "to change lives."

Sharing how her life has changed ever since, she added:

"The arts saved me. I was a little Black girl in the hood in D.C. during the crack epidemic. I’m supposed to be a statistic. I wasn’t supposed to make it out but I did."

In between this interview at the Cannes Film Festival, Stacy presented data claiming that girls and women of several age groups appeared in 54% of the top 100 movies of 2024. However, just 13% of these actresses were women of color. Furthermore, a mere 1% of these productions cast women of color aged 45 and above.

Reporting the numbers, Smith shared:

"There are few women of color being given the opportunity."

Taraji P Henson remarked how she refocused on her craft instead of chasing things she never entered the industry for, such as awards. Recalling her experience, she confessed to being "graceful in getting paid less than." However, she stopped portraying herself in that manner.

In between, Henson moved to Bali for a refreshing solo retreat to focus on her mental health and well-being. She took this month-long break after feeling overwhelmed by the challenges she encountered in the industry.

Right after returning home from her serene retreat, she explored entrepreneurship and started working on her beauty line, TPH. "Instead of relying on that check from Hollywood," she is diversifying her income sources with business.

During her recent interview, Henson requested the women in the audience "to speak up for yourself."

Guiding them, she conveyed:

"I have worked my butt off to garner the following I have. My following rides for me. That’s an audience I procured through my hard work and the characters I play. I know a studio, when they call on me, they are calling on me because they know all these people are going to come and show up. That’s my power. You need me because you need my following. Thank you, social media. Once I figured that out, I just started speaking up for myself."

While speaking for the Kering Women in Motion Talk, Taraji recounted how she understood her prominence in Hollywood. It was when she observed that Black projects fail to make numbers internationally was just a hoax.

She witnessed the significant change during the international press tour for Empire. The actress emphasized how her role of portraying the bold and protective Cookie Lyon became an instant hit.

In 2001, Taraji P. Henson made her film debut with Baby Boy, directed by John Singleton. She played the role of Yvette. From the beginning of her filmography to now, a lot has changed significantly.

Now, the star is taking a new approach to choosing her next projects. With her past performances and versatility, she has cemented herself as an impactful actress in Hollywood.

Ready to work in the industry again, she is excited to experience :

"the freedom of doing what I want to do and not being controlled by the industry or the machine."

Do you agree with Henson? Sound off in the comments section below.