Academy Award winner Mo’Nique is calling on fans to boycott Netflix for what she is declaring a ruthless act of gender and color bias. She made her plea to the public via Instagram.
In a brief video statement, the actress/comedian took aim at what she says has been unfair treatment by the streaming giant. Mo’Nique claims Netflix offered her $500,000 to do a comedy special on the service. A number dwarfed by the eight-figure deals secured by Amy Schumer, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.
“I am asking that you stand with me and boycott Netflix for gender bias and color bias,” said Mo’Nique. “I was offered a $500,000 deal last week to do a comedy special. However, Amy Schumer was offered $11 million, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle $20 million.”
Mo’Nique says she pressed Netflix on why her résumé was not considered to be in the same league as Schumer’s. She cited Schumer’s earlier mention of understanding not being paid the same as “legends” Rock and Chappelle in her response.
When we asked Netflix to explain the difference, why the money was so different, they said, “Well, we believe that’s what Mo’Nique will bring.” We said, ‘What about my résumé?’ They said, “We don’t go off of résumés.” Then we asked them, “What was it about Amy Schumer?” And they said, “Well, she sold out Madison Square Garden twice and she had a big movie over the summer. Is that not Amy Schumer’s résumé?” And then Netflix said, “By the way, we believe Mo’Nique is a legend, too.” Why shouldn’t I get what the legends are getting? Please stand with me in this boycott of Neftlix. I love us for real.
In 2015, Mo’Nique and Precious director Lee Daniels both addressed the subject of the comedian being allegedly “blackballed” after her Oscar win because the comedian pushed back against things like award show campaigning. Mo’Nique hasn’t been shy at taking aim at Daniels in their falling out.
Netflix has not commented on the content of the video at this time.
