Mo’Nique, the famous comedian and actress, sued Netflix in November 2019, alleging that the streaming giant had discriminated against her on the basis of her gender and race. The lawsuit came as a surprise to many. The legal battle that followed was closely watched by the entertainment industry.
But what was the real reason behind Mo’Nique’s lawsuit? In this article, we will take a closer look at the facts and try to understand the motivations behind Mo’Nique’s bold decision.
Why Did Mo’Nique Sued Netflix?
In her lawsuit, Mo’Nique alleged that Netflix had discriminated against her based on her gender and race. She argued that the offer she received was significantly lower than what other comedians with similar credentials had received. This was evidence of systemic bias within the entertainment industry. Mo’Nique also claimed that Netflix had a history of underpaying women and people of colour. In her case, it was just one example of a broader pattern of discrimination.
Mo’Nique’s Career And Netflix Deal
Mo’Nique, whose real name is Monique Angela Hicks, is a well-known comedian, actress, and talk show host. She has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades and has won numerous awards for her performances, including an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2009 movie ‘Precious’.
However, in recent years, Mo’Nique has become increasingly vocal about her struggles in the industry, particularly when it comes to paying and representation. In 2017, Mo’Nique was offered a deal by Netflix to do a comedy special. However, the offer was significantly lower than what other comedians, particularly men and white comedians, had received for their specials.
Mo’Nique rejected the offer and took to social media to voice her grievances, accusing Netflix of gender and racial discrimination.
What Actions Did Netflix Take?
The lawsuit brought up several legal arguments, including claims of breach of contract, intentional interference with contractual relations, and violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. Netflix responded with a motion to dismiss the case. Arguing that Mo’Nique had failed to provide any evidence of discrimination and that her claims were without merit. The case was eventually settled out of court. In addition, the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Settlement & Implications For The Industry
The settlement between Mo’Nique and Netflix marked the end of a long legal battle that had garnered significant media attention. While the terms of the settlement were not made public, it is believed that Mo’Nique received a significant payout from Netflix. The case also highlighted the ongoing struggle for pay equity and representation in the entertainment industry, particularly for women and people of colour.
What Happened At The End?
Mo’Nique’s lawsuit against Netflix was a bold move that sparked a much-needed conversation about discrimination and pay equity in the entertainment industry. While the outcome of the case may not have been a clear victory for either side, it did bring attention to the issue and may lead to future changes in how contracts and deals are negotiated.
Mo’Nique’s case serves as a reminder that discrimination based on gender and race is still a pervasive problem in many industries. And that more needs to be done to address it. In the aftermath of the lawsuit, Netflix announced new policies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in its content and workforce. The company also pledged to increase its investments in programs that support underrepresented groups in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Overall, Mo’Nique’s lawsuit against Netflix was a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for pay equity and representation in the entertainment industry. While the case was ultimately settled out of court, it highlighted the need for greater transparency and fairness in how deals are negotiated and how talent is compensated.
