Taraji P. Henson Wants People To Focus On What “The Color Purple” Is About— Sisterhood—And Not What Happened Behind The Scenes

Taraji P. Henson gave her thoughts on the new perspective on the film “The Color Purple,” saying its new narrative isn’t fair.

Henson has recently discussed some challenges, like being an underpaid Black actress. She also spoke out about being a part of the film, in which she played Shug Avery, and saying that producers requested that the actors drive themselves in rental cars, Complex reported.

In a statement to TODAY, Henson says she still wants the public to choose to focus on the film instead of what occurred behind the scenes.

“I hope they can focus back onto this film, because right now, to me, it feels like what I said is now becoming louder than this beautiful film,” she told the outlet.

“And that’s not fair to me, or anybody in the film,” Henson continued, adding “because the film deals with women who are oppressed — who live in an oppressed system. Men and women. And all the characters in that film except for the white people. So that movie is about healing. That movie is about sisterhood.”

Fantasia Barrino, who also appears in the film, made similar remarks as well as the film’s Oprah Winfrey, the film producer.

“People are saying that I was not supporting Taraji. Taraji will tell you herself that I’ve been the greatest champion of this film,” Winfrey told Entertainment Tonight while attending the 81st Golden Globes. “Championing not only the behind-the-scenes production but also everything that everybody needed.”

In an Instagram post last month, Henson called Winfrey a “steady and solid beacon of light” and said she provided much support.

“Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!” Henson captioned her post. “She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.”