Academy Award-winning actress Mo’Nique has publicly called out filmmaker Tyler Perry, questioning his stance on fairness in the entertainment industry following his impassioned speech at Angie Stone’s funeral.
In a social media post on Tuesday, March 18, Mo’Nique accused Perry of maintaining a “double standard” by condemning the mistreatment of Stone while allegedly playing a role in her own professional struggles.
Mo’Nique’s Open Letter
In her Instagram post, Mo’Nique first extended condolences to Stone’s family before addressing what she called “unsettling discrepancies” in Perry’s advocacy.
Perry, known for his influential role in Hollywood, had used his eulogy at Stone’s service to criticize music industry executives and promoters for undercompensating the late soul singer despite her decades of contributions. However, Mo’Nique questioned the sincerity of his outrage, reminding him of their unresolved history.
“How can you condemn poor treatment of others when you’ve imposed the same on me?” she asked in the open letter, referencing Perry’s alleged role in labeling her as “difficult to work with.”
She also claimed to have audio recordings of Perry admitting fault but failing to publicly correct the narrative.
Allegations of Professional Retaliation
Mo’Nique has long accused Perry, along with Oprah Winfrey and Lee Daniels, of contributing to her being blackballed in Hollywood after she refused to participate in unpaid promotional duties for the 2009 film Precious. She reiterated that Perry privately acknowledged wrongdoing but has yet to issue a public apology, despite reportedly promising one in 2016.
The actress went further by highlighting the financial implications of Perry’s alleged actions, stating:
“The false narrative you perpetuated helped blackball me, costing me tens of millions.”
She then challenged Perry, as a “man of faith,” to take accountability, citing the Bible verse Mark 8:36: “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?”
Public Reaction
Mo’Nique’s statement sparked divided reactions on social media. Some supported her for continuing to challenge the entertainment industry’s treatment of Black women, while others criticized her timing and approach. One commenter suggested that airing grievances during a time of mourning was inappropriate, to which Mo’Nique responded, “There’s never going to be a convenient time for some to hear the truth.”
Perry, who has not yet responded to Mo’Nique’s remarks, had expressed deep frustration during his speech at Stone’s funeral.
“Women like Angie Stone who’ve been in the business all these years, you’re going to forget about what she did? […] I’m tired of seeing us struggle and work hard and not reap the benefits we were supposed to reap,” he declared.
Ongoing Feud and Industry Accountability
The public dispute between Mo’Nique and Perry highlights larger issues of fairness and equity within the entertainment industry.
While Perry has built a reputation for championing Black talent, Mo’Nique’s accusations suggest a lingering tension between advocacy and actual accountability.
