Taraji P. Henson Opens Up About the Struggles Behind “The Color Purple” and Fantasia’s Emotional Journey

In a moment that has sparked deeper reflection on the treatment of Black actresses in Hollywood, Taraji P. Henson recently shared powerful insights into what happened behind the scenes during the filming of The Color Purple. Her words didn’t just highlight her own experience—they revealed the emotional and systemic challenges Fantasia Barrino faced while taking on one of the most difficult roles of her career.

Taraji, known for her candor, explained in an interview that she almost walked away from The Color Purple entirely. Despite her status as a leading lady, she revealed that she hadn’t seen a proper raise in her income since her film Proud Mary. The pay negotiations for The Color Purple were so difficult that she considered turning down the role. But it wasn’t just about money—it was about principle. Taraji said she had to stand up not just for herself, but for younger women on set like Fantasia and Danielle Brooks.

“I haven’t seen a raise since Proud Mary,” she said. “And if I don’t take a stand, how am I helping Fantasia? Danielle? The women coming after me?”

The production had other issues, too. Taraji revealed that early in filming, cast members didn’t even have trailers, food, or secure transportation to the set. She had to make calls herself to get the basics handled—things like meals and rides. Incredibly, all of this was happening on a film with Oprah Winfrey attached as a producer.

Oprah has built a public image as a champion for Black women, but behind the scenes, it was Taraji doing the day-to-day advocacy work. Oprah later responded, saying she wasn’t in charge of the budget—that was up to Warner Bros.—but many questioned why someone with her influence didn’t step in sooner.

For Fantasia, these issues were layered on top of an already heavy burden. She wasn’t just acting—she was reliving trauma. Her role as Celie in The Color Purple wasn’t new. Years ago, she played the same part on Broadway, and the experience took an emotional toll. Fantasia has said in interviews that she never learned how to separate herself mentally from the character’s pain. She didn’t have formal acting training and found it nearly impossible to “leave the role at work.”

Celie is a woman who suffers years of mistreatment, neglect, and silencing. Fantasia, who has endured her own share of personal struggles, related deeply to the role. That connection made her portrayal incredibly powerful—but also dangerous to her well-being. Taraji noticed. She recalled watching Fantasia closely on set and stepping in to lighten the mood whenever things got too intense. “I’d make her laugh,” she said. “So she could go home and leave that pain behind.”

Fantasia had good reason to hesitate when asked to reprise the role for the 2023 film adaptation. Her first instinct was to say no. She knew how hard it had been the first time. But she eventually said yes—perhaps hoping this time would be different.

Unfortunately, many of the same patterns resurfaced.

Fantasia’s story goes beyond one film. After winning American Idol, she signed with Clive Davis’s J Records, launching her music career. Her debut album did well, but her second album struggled, and the industry’s support quickly evaporated. She later revealed that no one had educated her on contracts, finances, or who to trust. She was young, alone, and surrounded by people more focused on her profitability than her well-being.

In 2010, Fantasia made headlines after a health emergency that many assumed was tied to personal drama. But in later interviews, she clarified that the real issues had been building for years. She said she had been feeling completely alone—her career wasn’t where she wanted it, her finances were falling apart, and many people she had once trusted were no longer there. “I was tired of people doing me wrong, over and over again,” she said.

She wrote goodbye letters to her loved ones, took a dangerous combination of pills, and retreated into herself. Her intention wasn’t to make a statement—it was just to disappear quietly. “I just wanted to go to sleep,” she said, “and if I didn’t wake up, I was okay with that.”

She was found and taken to the hospital. When she woke up, she felt anger—not relief—because she now had to face the world again, including the judgment and misunderstandings. Blogs speculated, reporters showed up at her home, but few stopped to ask: how did she get to that point? Where were the people who were supposed to look out for her?

Even after that experience, Fantasia had to return to work almost immediately. An album was scheduled, a tour was booked. The industry machine didn’t stop moving. It expected her to show up, smile, and perform, regardless of what she was going through.

That’s why Taraji’s support during The Color Purple meant so much.

She wasn’t just a co-star; she was a protector. When the cast lacked basic amenities, it was Taraji who spoke up. Danielle Brooks even called her “the voice of the cast.” Without her advocacy, many of the issues—like transportation and food—might never have been resolved.

Eventually, Oprah addressed the situation in a red carpet interview. She said she wasn’t aware of all the problems until later and that Warner Bros. controlled the logistics. But critics pointed out that someone of Oprah’s status and resources could’ve done more, sooner. Taraji had already made it clear that she had to initiate the solutions herself. The gap between what was happening on set and what was being said publicly raised eyebrows.

This wasn’t just about paychecks. It was about respect, safety, and acknowledgment. It was about not expecting Black women—especially those with past trauma—to carry emotional weight without support.

When The Color Purple press tour began, it was supposed to be a celebration. A star-studded film. A powerful story. A chance to elevate Black voices. Instead, it revealed just how far the industry still has to go when it comes to protecting those voices.

Fantasia’s journey isn’t just one of talent. It’s one of survival. And thanks to women like Taraji P. Henson, more people are finally paying attention to the emotional cost of staying in the spotlight.