Netflix has assembled an all-star legal team to fight Mo’Nique’s discrimination lawsuit, insisting their low ball offer to the Oscar-winning star for her comedy special was “fair” market compensation for her talent level.
In legal papers obtained by TMZ, the Precious star accused Netflix bosses of offering white comedienne Amy Schumer $11 million for an hour-long stand-up special, while offering Mo’Nique, who is Black, only $500,000 for a similar stand up comedy special.
The 51-year-old comedienne and mother of three turned down the offer and called on fans to boycott Netflix.
She followed through on her promise to take legal action against the streaming giant by filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Responding to the lawsuit on Friday, a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement:
“We care deeply about inclusion, [equality], and diversity and take any accusations of discrimination very seriously. We believe our opening offer to Mo’Nique was fair – which is why we will be fighting this lawsuit.”
The Precious star announced the lawsuit in a post on Instagram.com on Thursday.
“Hey My Loves — I can confirm that today I filed a pay discrimination lawsuit against Netflix. I had a choice to make: I could accept what I felt was pay discrimination or I could stand up for those who came before me and those who will come after me. I chose to stand up. I don’t have any further comment this time, but I appreciate all of your support and love.”
Mo’Nique also had beef with industry gurus Oprah, Tyler Perry and Lee Daniels for allegedly blackballing her after she declined to go on a promotional tour for a film project.
