It’s no secret that the entertainment industry has treated black women unfairly for years, and Chance the Rapper is using his platform to call attention to the issue. In a new clip, the Chicago-born performer points out that black women have been speaking out more about inequality these days and slams commenters who don’t have the space to criticize. He explains that while internet users may be quick to blame the victim in this situation, they have likely never experienced it themselves.
“They would write something, but they didn’t have to negotiate a contract or hire a lawyer,” he explained. “If they do that, it’s like you’re not participating.” It’s the same as not doing anything.” His comments follow Gayle King’s recent interview with Taraji P. Henson, in which she tearfully revealed that the actress was underpaid throughout her decades-long career.
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Chance the Rapper supports black women
But Chance the Rapper isn’t the only industry member supporting Henson. Earlier this month, Kiki Palmer weighed in on her own comments on Instagram, pointing out that stories similar to Henson’s have become all too familiar. “The entertainment industry is just like any other industry. We run businesses to keep brands alive, and we are the brand/business.” she explained. “And it’s up to the team of members of that company to reduce the expected large lump sum. This includes monthly expenses just like everyone else. To put it in hyperbolic terms, more money means more problems.”
“There’s not really an option for anyone to have one job in any industry unless you’re a top-top, top-earner kind of person,” she continued. “I mean, I think it’s like Bill Gates and them. I don’t know because I can’t relate to it (laughs). I’m not complaining or comparing, but we all… I admit that we have similar struggles in our own industries, and that’s because corporations run everything, and corporations don’t.”
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