Photo — Mo'Nique: 82nd_Academy_Awards,_Monique_and_Sidney_Hicks_-_army_mil-66452-2010-03-09-180351.jpg (Public domain) · Oprah Winfrey: Oprah Winfrey (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Short Version
The public dispute between actress-comedian Mo'Nique and media mogul Oprah Winfrey stems from the 2009 film Precious, on which Winfrey served as an executive producer. Mo'Nique alleged that after refusing to participate in unpaid promotional travel, she was labeled difficult and blackballed from film roles. The conflict deepened following an April 2010 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show featuring members of Mo'Nique's family, which Mo'Nique characterized as a personal betrayal.
Latest Development
Mo'Nique calls out Winfrey during comedy tour
Reports surfaced that Mo'Nique delivered explicit comments directed at Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry while performing on Katt Williams' comedy tour.
May 4, 2024 · Reported
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
May 4, 2024
Mo'Nique calls out Winfrey during comedy tour
ReportedReports surfaced that Mo'Nique delivered explicit comments directed at Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry while performing on Katt Williams' comedy tour.
Source ↗February 7, 2024
Mo'Nique details grievances against Winfrey on Club Shay Shay
Public statementAppearing on Shannon Sharpe's podcast, Mo'Nique criticized Winfrey at length, alleging Winfrey betrayed her during the 2010 talk show episode and later took movie roles originally offered to Mo'Nique.
Source ↗February 16, 2022
Mo'Nique discusses relationship with Winfrey on TS Madison's show
Public statementIn an interview on FOX Soul, Mo'Nique discussed the aftermath of Precious, stating that standing firm on contractual limits led to her being blackballed, while noting she harbored no hate for Winfrey.
Source ↗April 20, 2010
The Oprah Winfrey Show airs interview with Mo'Nique's family
Verified eventAn episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired featuring Mo'Nique's brother Gerald Imes publicly acknowledging molesting her as a child. Mo'Nique later stated Winfrey betrayed her by bringing her parents and other brother onto the show without informing her beforehand.
Source ↗March 7, 2010
Mo'Nique wins Academy Award for Precious
Verified eventMo'Nique won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Precious and acknowledged Winfrey and Tyler Perry in her acceptance speech.
Source ↗May 2009
Disagreements arise over Precious promotional campaign
AllegationDuring the Cannes Film Festival screening of Precious, Mo'Nique declined to participate in unpaid promotional travel. According to Mo'Nique, executive producers including Oprah Winfrey disagreed with her stance, marking the origin of rumors that she was difficult to work with.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Active. Mo'Nique continues to publicly criticize Winfrey, calling for accountability and apologies during podcast and stage appearances. Winfrey's representatives have generally declined to comment publicly on Mo'Nique's claims.
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Sources
- 1.SourceMo'Nique calls out Winfrey during comedy tour · May 4, 2024
- 2.SourceMo'Nique details grievances against Winfrey on Club Shay Shay · Feb 7, 2024
- 3.SourceMo'Nique discusses relationship with Winfrey on TS Madison's show · Feb 16, 2022
- 4.SourceThe Oprah Winfrey Show airs interview with Mo'Nique's family · Apr 20, 2010
- 5.SourceMo'Nique wins Academy Award for Precious · Mar 7, 2010
- 6.SourceDisagreements arise over Precious promotional campaign ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.