Mo’Nique, known for her unapologetic comedy, brings her raw truth to Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. Following in the footsteps of Katt Williams, she fearlessly confronts Hollywood’s elite, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Kevin Hart.
Industry Backlash and Discrimination
After her Oscar win, Mo’Nique faced industry backlash and discrimination, notably from Netflix and Lionsgate. Despite her success, she encountered rumours and obstacles that hindered her career progression.
Oprah Winfrey’s Role
Mo’Nique’s relationship with Oprah Winfrey turned sour, stemming from disagreements over promotional duties for “Precious” and subsequent family matters aired on Oprah’s show against Mo’Nique’s wishes.
The comedian accused Oprah of interviewing her estranged family on her show in 2010 against her wishes. She then later claimed that Oprah ignored all her calls to clarify this issue.
“You betrayed me, sister,”
“I shared with Oprah Winfrey what we were going through and how I felt… But you don’t tell me you have my mother and my father on your show, and you think that that’s just OK?”
Mo’Nique also said that Oprah supported Tyler Perry’s rumours regarding her and stole some of the movie roles originally meant for Mo’Nique, which could have propelled her to greater heights.
Tyler Perry’s Involvement
Tyler Perry, accused by Mo’Nique of spreading rumours, faced scrutiny for his alleged role in tarnishing her reputation. Mo’Nique said that she missed out on millions of dollars and a lot of missed opportunities because of the rumours Perry said, that she was difficult to work with.
The comedian then later clarifies that the root of all the rumours was because she refused to do promotional campaigns and travel around the country to promote her film ‘Precious’. She preferred to spend time with her family. She was going to do the promotion should have there been some sort of payment offered by Lionsgate as was in her contract but the studio simply said no.
When Tyler Perry approached her with the same request, he was met with the same question of would there be any payment. Perry said he doesn’t pay out of his own pocket. Mo’Nique then said on the interview that if he doesn’t give money away for free, she shouldn’t have to work for free either.
Kevin Hart Called Out
Mo’Nique did want to clarify that Kevin did in fact help her out, he was able to loan her some money that she paid back with interest. She then went on to guest in Kevin Hart’s podcast and Kevin showered her with compliments and when the topic came to Tyler Perry, Kevin said,
Mo, I talked to Tyler. He said he didn’t want to revisit it, but I’ll tell you what: let’s move past that, Mo. Let’s just do great things together. Don’t even worry about it. Whatever you want to do, I will partner with you. I’ll executive produce with you. You just let me know.
Mo’Nique called out the comedy star, Kevin Hart for essentially getting her hopes up for new projects. However when Monique called him, Hart’s manager, Dave Becky simply said that they Kevin does not want to associate with Mo’Nique.
Kevin then explained that it was all a miscommunication and that he would get back to her once it was all cleared up. That was 2 years ago, and Mo’Nique claims that she hasn’t heard anything from Hart since then.
You could also check out our own article on what Katt Williams has to say about Kevin Hart HERE.
Issues with Tiffany Haddish
While on Club Shay Shay, Mo’Nique also called out the ‘Girls Trip’ star, Tiffany Haddish. She recalled the interview Haddish gave with GQ on 2018, where Haddish referred to Mo’Nique accusing Netflix of racial and gender bias where she allegedly was paid less for a standup special compared to other comedians like Dave Chapelle and Amy Schumer.
“My business run different than her business. I don’t live her life. I don’t have that husband of hers. I’m looking at how Netflix opened up so many opportunities for black females and comedy.
When my people are dying, that’s when you gonna catch me protesting. I’m not gonna protest because somebody got offered not the amount of money they wanted to get offered. If you don’t like what they’re offering you, just no longer do business with them.”
Of course this didn’t sit well with with Mo’Nique, and she clapped back with,
Well, I don’t do business like Mo’Nique do business and I’m glad I don’t have that husband of hers. Tiffany if you had a husband like mine, you may not have two DUIs. If you had a husband like mine, you may not be caught up in what looks like you could’ve been grooming a child.
Mo’Nique was referencing Haddish’s two DUI charges in 2022 and 2023 and her comedy skit with Aries Spears titled “Through a Pedophile’s eyes” that led to a lawsuit where the parents of the children in the skit claimed they were coerced
Mo on Katt Williams
Mo’Nique said that she is just excited to see what all the other people Katt Williams called out would have to say on Club Shay Shay and urges Shannon to invite them, or interview them again.
In true comedy fashion, Shannon replied.
“They ain’t gonna come here thanks to you Mo!”
Katt Williams and Mo’Nique called out a bunch of comedians and the industry itself, we’ll definitely keep our eyes open on Club Shay Shay, and the guests who will be invited. While waiting, why not head on to Big Belly Comedy Club for some top-tier live comedy shows! We’ve got drinks, good food, and hilarious comedians, what more could you need?
Mo’Nique
Kevin Hart
