Taraji P. Henson shuts down rumors claiming she was feuding with Oprah Winfrey during The Color Purple’s press tour

Taraji P. Henson recently spoke on The Breakfast Club (June 6, 2025) to clear up rumors about a feud with Oprah Winfrey. She denied any conflict during the press tour for The Color Purple, the 2023 musical she starred and Oprah produced.

On air, Taraji P. Henson described the feud narrative as “BS,” calling it a distraction that undermined the film’s success and the broader message of Black female solidarity.

“When have you ever seen me drag another woman, particularly a Black woman, ever?” she said.

She made it clear that her relationship with Oprah is warm and respectful, and suggested that the controversy may have been amplified by those looking to diminish the impact of a major Black-led film.

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More about what Taraji P. Henson said about her feud with Oprah Winfrey

The speculation began during the press tour for The Color Purple, which debuted in late 2023. Henson portrayed Shug Avery in the musical remake, while Oprah served as both a producer and a returning cast member, after starring in the original 1985 version.

During promotional interviews, Henson spoke candidly about the pay disparity faced by Black women in Hollywood. Some outlets and social media users interpreted her remarks as a criticism of Oprah, suggesting tension on set.

Oprah first publicly rebuffed these rumors at the January 2024 Golden Globes. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she stated there was “no validity” to claims of a rift and described Taraji P. Henson as “someone I’ve been the greatest champion of.” She emphasized that budget decisions were controlled by Warner Bros., not her.

Taraji P. Henson also suggested the rumors may have been deliberately circulated. These claims appeared linked to box office coverage, especially the drop in The Color Purple's revenue following its initial success. She said,

“I think it was just a campaign so that this Black movie wouldn’t do well."

The film recorded a strong debut on Christmas Day 2023, earning $18 million domestically, making it the largest Christmas Day opening in over a decade and the second-highest of all time, as reported by Forbes. The total domestic gross later reached $60.6 million. In response to suggestions that declining performance was tied to the alleged feud, Henson said,

“You know that’s BS, right?”

"Me and Oprah, I just have a love and a fondness for her", Taraji P. Henson said, sharing that Oprah had recently texted her to congratulate her on her work in the new Netflix film Straw.

She described any reports of tension as “fictitious,” created to “draw a wedge” between her and Oprah, and calling the coverage “disrespectful.”

Taraji P. Henson also talked about the importance of solidarity within communities of Black women, saying,

“We are more powerful when we support each other. Do not air your grievances with another sister in public. You got a problem with her? Pull her to the side. That’s between you and her to fix. That is not for the public to weigh in with their shallow opinions.”

She also said that she would never be an "obstacle" for another woman, saying,

“As Black women, we take way too many bullets from society. Why would I be another obstacle for another sister to get over? I’m just not going to do it.”

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Taraji P. Henson stars in Straw, a new Netflix film that follows a woman navigating emotional trauma, personal loss, and mental health challenges as she reaches her breaking point. In her June 6, 2025, appearance on The Breakfast Club, Henson described the role as deeply personal, talking about its emotional depth and themes of trauma and healing.

Henson said that the film allowed her to explore a character reaching a breaking point, and credited Tyler Perry for supporting her career and helping her negotiate a higher salary for the project, including doubling her quote.