Taraji P. Henson Slams 'Disrespectful' Rumors of Feud with Oprah Winfrey

Published: June 9, 2025

Taraji P. Henson is clearing the air about a reported feud between her and Oprah Winfrey, calling the rumors "BS" and "disrespectful."

Henson addressed the alleged feud on the June 6 episode of The Breakfast Club, while promoting her new Netflix film Straw. The rumors of discord between the two began during The Color Purple's press tour in 2023, when Henson spoke out about pay disparity for Black women in Hollywood.

Some thought Henson was taking aim at Winfrey, who produced the film, but Henson shut down the rumors, saying, "Me and Oprah, I just have a love and a fondness for her."

Henson also mentioned seeing reports that she negatively impacted The Color Purple's box office performance. The film surpassed expectations with an $18 million domestic opening, marking the largest Christmas Day opening in over a decade and the second-biggest Christmas Day opening of all time. However, the film's performance dropped in the following days and weeks, overall earning $60.6 million domestically before ending its run.

When told the box office drop was reportedly connected to her and Winfrey's drama, Henson quipped, "You know that's BS right?"

Henson reiterated her respect for Winfrey, saying, "She just texted me the other day, commending me on a job well done in Straw. That was all fictitious, to draw a wedge between me and her."

Henson called any coverage about her and Winfrey having issues "disrespectful" and emphasized the importance of Black women supporting one another. "We are more powerful when we support each other," she said.

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