Taraji P. Henson stormed social media to defend Oprah Winfrey after fans accused her of shading Taraji for crying on The Color Purple press tour.
The two stars, who played iconic roles in the forthcoming musical film, supported each other amid unverified rivalry rumors.
The rumors kicked off earlier this week when a video shared by a social media user went viral as fans think they saw ‘evidence’ that there is tension between the stars.
In the video shared on TikTok, a fan who goes by the username openmichero on the app scrutinized their body language, suggesting that Oprah and Taraji showed closed-up body language.
Additionally, the TikToker noted that Taraji was ‘trying to hold back tears’ while posing for photos with Oprah and her co-stars Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks.
After these observations, many accused the TV icon of purposely ‘not looking’ at Taraji P. Henson.
Henson took to Instagram to highlight Winfrey’s leadership in the industry.
“Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!! She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.”
According to the Empire star, Oprah Winfrey gave her unlimited access to her as an individual.
“She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did! It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard. Thank You, Ms. @OPRAH. For ALL That You Do,” Taraji disclosed.
Before ending her little speech, Taraji pointed out the need for Black women to stick together in the industry.
“It is also imperative to have women of color in decision-making positions across ALL industries.”
Oprah Winfrey also responded with a glowing description of Henson’s talents and strengths.
“What I love about her portrayal of Shug Avery is that she plays her like a woman who not only sang the blues. But lived the blues. Only Taraji could do that.”
