“They Lied to Me”: Taraji P. Henson on Hollywood’s Bias Against Black Stars

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, actress and producer Taraji P. Henson delivered a powerful message about self-worth, burnout, and taking back her power in Hollywood.

During a Kering Women in Motion Talk with Stacy L. Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the Empire star opened up about the emotional journey that led her to reclaim her value, not just as an actress, but as a woman of color navigating an often limiting industry.

Henson recalled a turning point in her career that came during an international press tour for Empire with director Lee Daniels. At a Q&A event in Paris, Daniels kept her backstage while fans asked questions—until one question was directed at Cookie Lyon, Henson’s character.

“Lee said, ‘Why don’t you ask her?’ and before he could finish saying my name, the entire room erupted,” Henson shared, as reported by Variety. “I ugly-faced cried. I couldn’t believe it. You lied to me my entire career, “Black” does translate.”

That moment shattered a myth Henson had been told repeatedly: that Black actresses had limited international appeal. “That changed the game,” she said. “Fans outside the venue knew my name. I had global reach—and I hadn’t even realized it.”

Despite her success, Henson said she found herself increasingly frustrated by pay disparities, limited roles, and a lack of recognition. The pressures of the industry began to weigh heavily on her spirit.

“I was just frustrated. It was making me bitter, and I’m not a bitter person,” she said.

So in 2023, she booked a month-long retreat to Bali—a bold move that helped her step away from the chaos of Hollywood and reconnect with herself.

“I made a promise to myself: if I’m not serving myself, the audience, or the characters I play, it’s time to walk away,” Henson revealed. “Thank God I took that break. I came back refreshed, with a new perspective.”

During her time away, Henson realized she had been gracefully accepting less than she deserved for too long.

“Not anymore though,” she declared, to cheers from the room.

Henson spoke candidly about letting go of external validation and awards, and instead focusing her energy on what truly matters—including launching her beauty brand TPH by Taraji, which has allowed her to generate income outside of film and TV.

She emphasized the importance of ownership and diversifying income streams, especially for women of color who often face systemic barriers in the entertainment industry.

Henson’s message wasn’t just about her own growth—it was a rallying cry for others to speak up and stand tall.

“I urge you all to speak up for yourself,” she told the audience. “I’ve worked my butt off to build the following I have. Studios don’t just want Taraji—they want the people who show up for me. That’s my power.”

She credited social media for helping her recognize that power and encouraged others, especially women of color, to never settle.

“Once I figured that out, I started using my voice. And now? I don’t back down.”