On January 19th comedian and actress Mo'Nique revealed to the world her grievance with Netflix, and asked the world to boycott the streaming service on basis of gender and color bias. The queen of comedy was more than offended after being offered 500k for a new special. Although that may seem like a hefty amount to some, Monique references the pay of fellow comedians. Stating in a video posted to Instagram she says, "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."
While the world collectively agreed that boycotting Netflix is an overreaction, it should also be realized that Mo'Nique isn't wrong for calling Netflix out. Despite taking a brief break from comedy to pursue more serious roles, Mo'Nique is in fact a legend among today's age of comedians whose brand alone should have been enough to get her pay along the lines of Chappelle and Rock. In the age of the #MeToo movement countless individuals have been calling rape, sexual harassment, wage inequality and more out in Hollywood.
While Mo'Nique is rightfully entitled to her feelings, and is known for being outspoken when it comes to inequality in Hollywood, one can't help but feel that a boycott is the wrong route to take. Instead of letting the world and her supporters decide how to feel towards the company and how to react, Mo'Nique made the snap decision all on her own.
While the rest of the world has been slow to rally for Mo'Nique she has found an ally in fellow comedian Wanda Sykes who confirmed Netflix's shady dealing in a tweet.
Notably instead of going public Sykes went elsewhere and earned more money.
There's no telling how the fallout from Mo'Nique's going public will play out but in the meantime she at least successfully has the world talking.
