Amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, Mo’Nique, her husband, Sidney Hicks, and co-star Countess Vaughn demand fair payment from CBS for their roles in The Parkers, a hit television series. Their demands underscore the persistent challenge of achieving fair compensation within the entertainment industry.
Mo’Nique & Countess Take A Stand
Mo’Nique and Countess Vaughn are among the actors/actresses who have taken a stand in the entertainment industry. The two actresses demand fair payment from CBS for their hit television show, The Parkers. Amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, the duo has brought attention to the industry’s unfair practices.
On September 19, Mo’Nique candidly addressed the issue on Instagram, urging CBS to fulfill their financial obligations. The video quickly garnered attention, as the Precious actress called out the network for attempting to deny their rightful earnings. The comedian stated:
“ We’re standing with all the unions that are striking right now. Countess Vaughn and I did a show called “The Parkers.” The Parkers has now been on air for 24 years and they’re trying to convince us through our ownership of the show, that we made absolutely no money.”
Mo’Nique also captioned her video, expressing the urge for others to listen:
“HEY MY SWEET BABIES IT’S A HARD CONVERSATION TO HAVE BUT WE HAVE THE PROOF TO BACK IT UP!!! @countessdvaughn WE ARE THE PARKERS!!!! LOVE US 4REAL.”
‘The Parkers’: A Fortune’s Worth
Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks chimed in, pointing out that the show, which ran for five years, was originally made for under $70 million but later generated over $700 million in profit:
“ And it’s baffling, being that when you have a conversation with the executive producers and they allude to the fact that the show in its entirety, 5 years, was made for under $70 million. It went into production in 2004, but by 2009 we see profit participation statements that show the program made over $700 million. But yet, was in a close to a billion, if not a billion dollar deficit.”
Calling on CBS to treat them fairly, Mo’Nique also cited a similar situation with Dave Chappelle, who received fair compensation after a deal he deemed unfair. The trio emphasized the need for transparency and support from the community in their quest for equitable pay.
“So what we’re asking you CBS, is that can you please treat these two black women fairly? When our brother Dave Chapelle ironically had a deal with CBS, said he signed a deal out of desperation and it was a bad deal. They were able to go back and do the right thing and they made that deal fair and they paid Dave Chapelle what he rightfully deserved. What we’re asking you CBS, don’t pay us anymore but don’t pay us any less.”
Countess Vaughn Defends Mo’Nique and Sidney Hicks
Actress, Countess Vaughn, also came to Mo’Nique’s defense and said:
“You know people trip me out, always saying something like you know “you’re lying”, “it’s not true” “Yes! Give us our money! You would be mad if you worked all week and when it’s time for you to get your check they go “ oh, you know the last of the check should cover it. You know we paid you already.” No! But did you get me for my services? No! Today! All the days that you have played our episodes. Pay that! It’s not fair!”
The SAG-AFTRA strike continues to highlight the very issues that led to the controversy and further unveils the shady tactics of renowned production companies and their lack of holding their end of the contracts with their actors. This is an updating story.
Mo’Nique Vs. Netflix
In past instances, Mo’Nique has been vocal about unfair deals and pay inequity. In January 2018, she called out Netflix for offering her a low deal for a comedy special, highlighting the industry’s gender pay issues.
Four years later, the comedian/actress settled her discrimination lawsuit against Netflix after accusing the streaming service of making a low offer and refusing to negotiate.
Four years later, Mo’Nique, settled her lawsuit against Netflix after claiming the streaming service refused to negotiate with her for a proposed 2017 comedy special. She accused the company of discrimination and making a low offer.
Jess Hilarious Owed By Master P
In a similar vein, tensions arose between rapper Master P and comedian Jess Hilarious due to allegations of non-payment. Jess Hilarious claimed that Master P had not compensated her for her appearance in the 2019 film I Got The Hook Up 2.
Add’l Reporting By: Yasmine Duhé