Taraji P. Henson Reveals Why She Almost Confronted Nia Long on the Set of Empire

Hollywood is no stranger to on-set tensions, and the drama between Taraji P. Henson and Nia Long during the filming of Empire is one of the most talked-about behind-the-scenes conflicts in recent years. While both actresses are incredibly talented and respected, their time working together was anything but smooth.

A Slap That Sparked Controversy

During a recent interview, Taraji P. Henson revealed a shocking moment that nearly pushed her over the edge. In a heated scene, Nia Long allegedly slapped a co-star so hard that even she was taken aback. Henson, known for her professionalism, was left questioning whether she could ever work with Long again, citing her unprofessional behavior as a major concern.

Nia Long’s Hollywood Reputation

Nia Long has been a staple in Hollywood for over three decades, but her career has largely been characterized by supporting roles. Despite her undeniable talent, she struggled to break into mainstream Hollywood, often being typecast in roles such as the girlfriend, ex, or mistress.

Many insiders claim that this struggle left Long bitter, leading her to harbor resentment toward other actresses who found success in roles she believed she deserved. One notable instance of this was when she publicly questioned why she wasn’t considered for Avatar, despite Zoe Saldana being cast in the leading role.

The Clash on Empire

By the time Nia Long joined Empire in Season 3 as Giuliana, Lucious Lyon’s ex, tensions were already brewing. Reports from the set indicate that Long exhibited diva-like behavior, frequently arriving late and being dismissive toward the crew. This conduct eventually led the hair and makeup team to file a formal complaint against her—something they had never done before, despite working with high-profile stars like Demi Moore, Alicia Keys, and Naomi Campbell.

The final breaking point came when an actor reportedly confronted Long about her tardiness, which escalated into a heated argument. Henson, known for her no-nonsense attitude, attempted to diffuse the situation with humor, but her remark only fueled the fire. Long’s refusal to back down led to further friction between the two actresses.

Power Struggles Behind the Scenes

Sources claim that the tension wasn’t just about professionalism—it was also about status. Henson, the undeniable star of Empire, made it clear that she was the leading lady, while Long, a guest star, wanted to assert her own dominance. This power struggle made it increasingly difficult for the production team to film their scenes together, with some scenes ultimately being shot separately.

As a result of these conflicts, Long’s character was not invited back for Season 4, and she reportedly threatened legal action against the production for failing to give her a proper farewell—a contractual tradition where guest stars receive a round of applause after filming their final scene.

Nia Long’s Response

Despite the numerous reports of her difficult behavior, Nia Long has dismissed these claims, asserting that she has always treated her colleagues with respect. However, critics argue that her past comments about other actresses, including Halle Berry and Queen Latifah, suggest otherwise.

Long’s insistence that she simply knows her worth and refuses to compromise her standards has not convinced many in the industry. Instead, she has gained a reputation for being demanding and inflexible, traits that have led to tensions on multiple sets.

The Aftermath

Taraji P. Henson, who has been vocal about the challenges she has faced in Hollywood, continues to stand by her experience with Long. While the two actresses have not publicly reconciled, it’s clear that their time working together left a lasting impact on both of them.

As Hollywood continues to evolve, professionalism and mutual respect remain key in ensuring smooth productions. While talent is crucial, an actor’s attitude on set can significantly impact their career opportunities. In this case, it seems that Nia Long’s behavior on Empire may have cost her more than just a recurring role.

What do you think about this on-set drama? Let us know in the comments!