WITW L.A. Salon: Viola Davis on being told she's 'a black Meryl Streep'

Tina Brown hosted an inspiring group of women for a night of engaging conversation live from Neuehouse Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard. Closing the show was award-winning actress Viola Davis who discussed her humble upbringing and and working in Hollywood as a woman of color.

[@ebunlewis1]

This is 100% real talks! Viola let 'em know! Im pretty sure 70% of those people in the room never even thought about what she just said until she said it.

[@kiwistrwberry82]

Still didn’t care after I’m sure

[@seedking40]

100% fake. Viola just doesn't know how Hollywood works. Her accolades mean nothing to the studios because they cant use that as an income gauge. She is a black actress and as a double minority she will have less opportunities. I know she doesn't like that but we can't change reality.

[@AJolie009]

I was literally discussing this same exact topic with someone. How black actresses aren't given EQUAL opportunities let aside equal pay!! Halle Berry is never offered as interesting and abundant roles as Julia Roberts, Same goes for Lupita Nyongo who is literally isn't being offered 1/10th the roles offered to Jennifer Lawerence, even though she won an Oscar as well. It's just not fair. Whether it's because producers aren't interested in giving parts to black women, or whether it's because writers aren't invested in telling stories of people of color, it remains a bitter reality..

[@cehaddunebuggy3899]

I don't really understand the Julia Roberts and Halle Berry comparison. Halle Berry has done quite well. One might ever say some of her roles are more versatile than Julia Roberts career. Jennifer Lawrence is a crappy actress. However, the roles that she usually plays are intended for white women. Just as the same role that Lupita Nyongo played in that made her famous was intended for black women. I would say that your statement about writers not invested in telling stories of people of color to be the truest thing in your comment.

[@politiksispoker2362]

Viola is wrong tough. She isn't a surgeon, a specialist she is just an actress. In her line of work you value how much you bring in sales. Same with music. I think we can all agree there's many artists that can sing better and have better music than Katy Perry, Beyonce or Taylor Swift and yet they get more money because they have a larger audience. Look at Ava Green, Viola or Meryl, they all are payed less than J Law yet they likely way more talented, but J Law was in a incredibly successful franchising. Signore Weaver is one of the producers of Alien , is where her money comes from, so .... you need to think about those things before saying a bunch of stupid things. If you want to be payed by experience, talent and awards go be a doctor, a architect or a engineer, or even doing indie films being a celeb-actress requesting millions is all about popularity and bringing in endorsements and sales

[@DeviancyBehavir]

Sorry not sorry, but that's a bullshit argument! She's bringing in numbers, clicks and views when people see Viola Davis name is on the marquee. But she's being paid way less than other white women who are doing and have done less than she has, that's what she's talking about. If you don't get it, fine, but stop bullshitting yourself and us into buying what you're selling. She knows her industry and what numbers look like a helluva better then you do.

[@cehaddunebuggy3899]

Then tell the non-white actors to quit acting in movies produced by white people. They don't seem to have a problem taking the money.

[@acharich]

Mo'Nique too..?

[@MrKlapask]

She's not afraid to say that she can be compared to other great actresses because it's simply true. It's not even being modest or bragging, since the time is up to talk about gender inequality it's FUNDAMENTAL to talk about intersectionality too. So much respect

[@jakejancook]

I'm convinced the impression of her friend is also her impression of Liza Manelli

[@NL-tr7ix]

Not true, Meryl and her doesn’t have the same path, Meryl started her movie career (late 70s) way prior than hers (late 90s), Meryl won her first Oscar in 1980 and she won hers in 2016, so her comparing herself to Meryl or Sigourney is like comparing Jennifer Hudson to Aretha Franklin or Diana Ross

[@seedking40]

Her problem is that she is not selling tickets at the elite level. Being A list is more about box office bankability than acting ability. You can be an average actor and be in the A list. Arnold Schwarzenegger is such an actor.

[@andromeda5414]

​@@seedking40What is the "elite level" ? A list actors, and Viola is definitely A List, like Leonardo Decaprio have not been big box office draws lately. Killers of the Flower Moon, of which he was the lead, bombed big time at the box office and that was even with a legendary direct attached. This "elite status" you speak of is as nebulous as it is excusatory.

[@seedking40]

@@andromeda5414 you know nothing. Dicaprio has a brand. Just because you make up an irrelevant standard doesn't mean that was position. All you can bring up is how he hasn't had a blockbuster lately, which doesn't matter. Dicaprio has been a billion dollar film as the lead character and many $100+ million films. Viola doesn't even have 1 film that she is the lead character of the hit 9 figures. The actor's aren't responsible for what happens at the box office. His high demand price is firm at $20 million because of his resume. There's no guarantee you will make money off of casting him at that rate but your chance are better with him than without him. Elite level means box office draw at 9 figures or better as the lead or co lead character (like the movie Bad Boys or Face off). Every A list movie actor has met this criteria multiple times.

[@breeona_xo]

Say it louder for the folks in the back! 🙌🏾

[@politiksispoker2362]

Viola is wrong tough. She isn't a surgeon, a specialist she is just an actress. In her line of work you value how much you bring in sales. Same with music. I think we can all agree there's many artists that can sing better and have better music than Katy Perry, Beyonce or Taylor Swift and yet they get more money because they have a larger audience. Look at Ava Green, Viola or Meryl, they all are payed less than J Law yet they likely way more talented, but J Law was in a incredibly successful franchising. Signore Weaver is one of the producers of Alien , is where her money comes from, so .... you need to think about those things before saying a bunch of stupid things. If you want to be payed by experience, talent and awards go be a doctor, a architect or a engineer, or even doing indie films being a celeb-actress requesting millions is all about popularity and bringing in endorsements and sales

[@shardeanderson7330]

politiks Brasil sorry but she's right across all industries. Please research it, the facts are out there. Also for Beyonce to be as big as Taylor Swift she has to cross over into pop music and look a certain way. The same thing that happened to Whitney Houston. To get more money for not only being a woman but a woman of color salaries are not equal.

[@CountryCowboy008]

*black

[@mirage6222]

@@politiksispoker2362 did you watch the whole thing? They studio executives call her and quote "The Black meryl streep" and yet they don't pay her as meryl Mark Walkberg doesn't have a huge box office hit since transformers, and yet they paid 10.000 dollars for repeating his scenes with a different actor, in comparison of Michelle williams It's a racial pay gap and a gender gap

[@jenniferharden2258]

Whoop there it is...

[@adrianops7]

What a woman, what a actress - phenomenal Viola!

[@lalagonegaga]

Unfortunately, she is right.

[@tia4057]

@@camara1194 she is along with the gender gap there's a race gap. Even if men get paid more, white men make more than black.

[@TemujinScott80]

@@camara1194 I definitely do

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

@@tia4057 Explain Will Smith then.

[@tia4057]

@@saintejeannedarc9460 I guarantee he doesn't make as much as Brad Pitt or Leonardo Decaprio.

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

@@tia4057 You'd be wrong on that. I knew from years ago that Will Smith was near top of the list for highest paid actors. Going by Wealthy Gorilla for all 3: Will Smith net worth, $350 million/ Brad Pitt $300 million/ Leonardo Dicaprio $260.

[@MtyQuinn69]

A Black Meryl Streep? Viola Davis is The Best Actress on the planet! Period!

[@Potterheadve]

Look Viola is an amazing actress in her own unique way. This is not about racism or anything but meryl streep is a living legend, she IS the best actress on the planet and it has nothing to do with her being white. its just a fact. Meryl streep will be remembered as the best actress of her generation.

[@alvinwilliams9458]

But Sigourney Weaver...Julianne Moore? It's racism!!!

[@CocoButterBarbie]

Mighty Quinn ❤️❤️❤️

[@evangelinehortense]

Viola is just an OVERRATED ACTRESS. Why? bcoz her acting is hysterical. Shouting and screaming thats the way she always acts. Shes not versatile. Shes a one dimensional actress. For me Nora Aunor is the greatest actress in the world. Why? bcoz she can act SILENTLY through her EXPRESSIVE EYES only without uttering a word. Case closed Period.

[@ungoliver]

@Evangeline Hortense I wonder if we talk about the same Viola Davis, because I was just about to say that her acting alone through her eyes is excellent already, Meryl Streep said it herself. In a scene with no words, she writes paragraphs with her eyes. Don't you think her acting is quite "One dimensional" because of the one dimensional roles she's getting? She was just thematising it in this segment of the interview...

[@rosemfall6717]

I love hearing her say this. Our society has taught women to value humility so much they're afraid to demand what they're worth. Hearing about Octavia Spencer's case made me so angry. I hope to see more black women do this

[@kevinwilkinson923]

What happened to Octavia Spencer?

[@seedking40]

They don't have the star power and box office receipts to demand higher wages. Every actor gets paid their worth because the work is contractual. The A list is not suppose to be easy to get in. You have to compete and can still end up failing. Unfortunately for black actresses the work that's in demand will be black characters in black movies. Those movies are targeted towards the black minority of black people or even worse only black women which are a double minority. You can't compare them to white actors doing white characters. White people have way more potential people to sell their movie to and have more disposable income on average making it easier to reach blockbuster status. By Viola leading a film you have no assurance of getting your money back. So a smart business man is not going to give her millions or a million for a better shot at getting his money back.

[@echakamonjok]

Sooo I know Monique’s situation is a lot more complicated and she doesn’t need to ask for people to boycott Netflix. She burned some bridges. However this is basically what she was saying. It’s was so simple. If you say Monique is a legend pay me what I’m worth. If you say I’m the black Meryl Streep, pay me what I’m worth.

[@juniormmmm]

Damn, I'd give her an Oscar, Emmy, and any other award for this interview.

[@waqasbadar300]

I get goosebumps whenever I listen to Viola Davis. What a woman!

[@JoseliJunior]

I’ve said this since the first time I saw her, if she was white, with that talent, she would have the best roles, every award in the lead category and would be earning millions and millions. Black girls gotta be twice as good to earn half.

[@reesereserved]

lol have you been watching scandal

[@kyle98ful]

Ima call her Pastor Davis now, PREACH!

[@queen_of_domination]

She speaks truth! I’m an engineer and a scientist. I’m also a woman of color. I’m having the same issues in my field that Ms. Davis is having in her field. That’s why I love Ms. Davis for exposing the issues that we have as women of color.

[@brandi17able]

I'm an engineer too and I agree

[@Patricia-fh5xr]

All my support here, as a white woman engineer. Wish you justice, and I wish to us the same that men get.

[@NL-tr7ix]

She’s a great actress no doubt, but her comparing herself with Meryl or Sigourney is like comparing Jennifer Hudson with Whitney Houston or Diana Ross

[@seedking40]

​​@@Patricia-fh5xr This is why women competitively joining the workforce is problematic. Y'all don't want to compete as fiercely as men. You can't want to occupy the space and redefine your own rules. You are looking at his end result but not looking at all the work had to do to get to that elite spot. There are men who also make less or got beaten by better men and they are holding scraps.

[@seedking40]

She's not speaking the truth. She may be an actor but she has no idea how Hollywood works. All studios care about is the box office draw. None of the awards she listed means anything to studios because they have nothing to do with it. A list actors have to have a track record of 9 figure success as lead actors to get the millions in success she wants. Unfortunately Hollywood is inherently hostile to black actors and especially black actresses. It's not a conspiracy but because your general roles and general supporters share your color the fact that black women are a double minority hurts black actresses. White actors have the highest gross potential on average because they have largest consumer base. That also gives their content priority because it is the most assured path to profitablity. She's measuring herself with a white barometer of success and not a black one.

[@blacknwhitecookie8967]

I'm a white male & to me, Viola Davis is the best actress out there. I was floored with her performance throughout HTGAWM!! A treasure to the TV & film industry!

[@Emily-bg2zc]

I’ll stand with you Ms Davis any day!!! You’re an inspiration and a beautiful person in and out, a fantastic actress and most importantly a woman with class and dignity with the accolades to prove it

[@waynehammond7145]

The business she is in does not reward academic achievement! The amount of money an actor or actress is paid is determined, by a large extent , by the amount of people that show up at the box office to pay and see her movies. That is not racist or unfair....it is business. I love Viola Davis as well as Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and everybody else...... The movie business is very risky and if I was seeking to make a handsome return on my investment....I would have to choose people that have demonstrated that they can get the crowd out to pay for and watch the movies they star in. That is just business of the the factual order!! Racism it is not!!

[@zojairam]

1:16 the fact that interview thought that viola meant that as a joke 💔 just show how hard is for people to relate to other ethnicities hardship and experiences

[@latasha194ify]

She is speaking nothing but the TRUTH!!! I can listen to Viola and Cisely Tyson all day articulating this issue.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@waynehammond7145]

The business she is in does not reward academic achievement! The amount of money an actor or actress is paid is determined, by a large extent , by the amount of people that show up at the box office to pay and see her movies. That is not racist or unfair....it is business. I love Viola Davis as well as Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and everybody else...... The movie business is very risky and if I was seeking to make a handsome return on my investment....I would have to choose people that have demonstrated that they can get the crowd out to pay for and watch the movies they star in. That is just business of the the factual order!! Racism it is not!!

[@robinlaurence6284]

Yes! Claim your greatness and demand the recognition you deserve, Ms. Davis! She is a force!

[@JordanjamesX]

Voila speak the truth about struggles of a black actress.

[@HollyTellingStories]

Love her.

[@megpruden20]

Preach Viola! Preach! I LOVE this actress and totally understand what she is talking about! She is speaking TRUTH & FACTS!

[@klaudiaarriera3604]

So inspirational. Making history speaking up. I hope to look back on this one day when things are different, for the better.

[@stanleydavis7904]

I adore this woman as an actress,the small part she had in "get on up " made me a believer, she is simply awesome,it's scary how good she is you forget she acting,my goodness!!!!!!

[@kaustubhdeshpande6144]

Viola Davis is by far one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood. Her performance in the help. LIFE CHANGING ABSOULTELY BRILLIANT. SHE THEN ONCE AGAIN HIT THE NAIL WITH FENCES TOO. SO YES SHE SHOULD BE PAID HER WORTH. AND YES WE SHOULD LOOK TO HAVE MORE PPL OF COLOUR ( not just blacks but asians hispanics Europeans middle easterns). She does so her job as an actress if she’s not being paid Atleast 95% of Meryl Streep we need to fix it. I stand with viola. Love you from Australia

[@Odifish]

This is so touching so real. She lives that in Hollywood and minorities live it in their regular jobs, big corporations where this is so real and so unfair. I’m speaking for myself as a Latina. I know many people from the minority groups totally relate.

[@dinkinishoconnor3432]

Viola, may the ancestral spirits that have been with you continue to bless and keep you. Keep speaking TRUTH. We need you🔥🪘 And we love you 🔥🪘🙌🏿💜

[@terrencejohnson5496]

Mo’Nique says hi 👋

[@acharich]

🤵🏾

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

Viola Davis is a great actress, but I wouldn't call her the black Meryl Streep. There are plenty of white actors and actresses that do great break out roles like Viola did, but still don't get the traction or pay either. Only they don't have a black card to wave around and claim that it's due to. I've seen tons of similar stories from white people. I do understand it's more of a white market, because if it's based on a true story or comic, the way many movies are, it's likely going to require a white actor and black only roles are more of a niche market. Any white actor will have that same issue if they go to a majority black country too. It's not about discrimination, it's about the market.

[@AyikosMedley]

Exactly what Monique is saying with gender and race inequality gap and people want to call her too irrelevant to demand a hefty pay check! Here is Viola telling us she is number 1 on the call sheet and still doesn’t get the amount of money her counterparts get. So glad this came out after Monique, people can’t call her crazy after watching this.

[@tgwttdh]

YAAAAAAAAASSS QUEEEEN! SLAY!!!!

[@nataliecobb2184]

This speaks volumes it’s beyond true and factual! Even in 2021 someone like Jennifer Lawrence gets paid triple viola Davis would ever get paid and I’m sure the resume can’t compare

[@talkindurinthemovie]

Them white ladies in the audience look salty af

[@firasharb1454]

Talkindurinthemovie yup . It’s obvious they don’t give a sh** smh

[@kiwistrwberry82]

That’s what I’m saying

[@thebatman4279]

Well they just had to sit through a multimillionaire Oscar winning actress lecture everyone on how oppressed she is. I'd be pissed off too.

[@jas1049]

What a hugely admirable woman. So intelligent.

[@alejosalvo]

People in the comments calling her delusional, have you seen her work? Do you live in this world? This issue is out there, get away from your computer and get a grasp of reality, people of color have it way tougher, way less opportunities. Love that she speaks her truth.

[@NL-tr7ix]

She’s a great actress for sure but her comparing herself with Meryl or Sigourney is like comparing Jennifer Hudson with Whitney Houston or Diana Ross

[@rogambrell2896]

@@NL-tr7ixthat’s a joke right. Sigourney has never even won an Oscar smh. Viola Davis awards triple Sigourney Weaver’s in less time. Now Meryl has 3 Oscar’s that’s what she has over Viola. But Viola has won every award under the sun. So yes she should be in their category because the awards she has says so. Because she’s won everything and you can’t do that without commanding an audience at the box office.

[@NL-tr7ix]

@@rogambrell2896 Jennifer Hudson has won every award and even became an EGOT which Whitney Houston and Diana Ross have never achieved, but Jennifer Hudson is not on their level still because of her seniority compared to the two

[@rogambrell2896]

@@NL-tr7ix the difference is Jennifer is not on their level talent wise or career wise as far as commanding an audience. Viola’s talent is on their level. This is coming from Meryl as well. We all know Meryl isn’t shy about giving her opinion. Viola commands an audience in movies as well as television. Now if you were speaking on Taraji P Henson I would agree but Viola is at the very top regardless of seniority.

[@nunyabusiness3516]

​@@NL-tr7ix ​@NL-tr7ix You MUST be on something. This woman was on screen WITH Meryl Streep and OUTSHINED THE HELL OUT OF HER. In a movie that Meryl Streep STARRED IN and Viola only had one scene. Even Meryl Streep said so. There's a scene in Antwon Fisher where she literally says NOTHING and is SOOOO POWERFUL it brought me to tears. She read an audiobook of her life and it was the most moving thing ever. She's not as old as Meryl Streep and definitely HASN'T BEEN HANDED AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES, but she's pound for pound her equal, if NOT her superior.

[@Be1smaht]

I will listen to her for as long as she keeps talking. People need to hear it.

[@synthiasimms4608]

To me & many ppl I know, Mrs.Viola Davis is the best actor period!She should be called Meryl& she should have equal roles& pay!

[@beck8012]

She should not be known as "the black Merly Streep" she should be known as Viola Davis

[@indigoblues93]

Viola and Monique are basically saying the same thing! Yet people are so quick to attack Monique? They both are right! It's time to start paying black women what they are worth!

[@mikeporter3729]

yas iconic queen black girl magic slay mama

[@sentosesay7952]

I DID NOT NO VIOLA WAS LIKE THIS WOW 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿IM SPEECHLESS

[@lourianelay2731]

she is genius! love love love her.

[@amgirl4286]

She doesn’t get it. Those other women bringing more ticket sales than her.

[@DaevionMarkelltv]

So its okay when viola davis says it.. But when Monique calls it out, she's vindictive and wrong 🤔

[@cehaddunebuggy3899]

Viola is a millionaire. Her complaints about the salaries of actors and actresses are pathetic. It really shows the mindset of humanity in the bigger scope of things. I never really liked Monique but she has more credibility about this type of thing than Viola Davis does. Monique won an Oscar too and I am sure she had to hustle a hell of a lot more than Viola does.

[@JloveLamar]

DaeTime TV What box office hits has Mo'Nique had? Name 3 films that were a hit at the box office where Mo'Nique was top billed. I'll wait. Mo'Nique was a straight to dvd actress who did Precious and we have not seen her after that for damn near a decade. Mo'Nique does not have the resume to back up her claims. Viola does.

[@cehaddunebuggy3899]

The resume? She has an Oscar. Also, she has more credibility about what she says than Viola does. Monique ain't taking home no millions of dollars. How much money do these celebrities need? Millions of dollars for making a movie? I'm on board with that as long as we pay our teachers the same amount of money.

[@JloveLamar]

Céhad Dunebuggy All Mo'Nique has is the Oscar from ONE film. Viola has TWO tonys, an Emmy AND the Oscar. The only thing missing is a grammy, and she'll be an EGOT (the only Black woman EGOT is miss Goldberg.) And, yes, these actors deserve millions for films. The studios make BILLIONS, so the actors should get a piece of the pie. Mo'Nique does not deserve millions because what films has she done where she was the main attraction and it garnered critical acclaim, or it was a box office success. Viola has been in huge hits AND critical darlings. Mo'Nique ONLY has Precious. Viola has been in 5 films that have crossed the 100 million dollar mark.

[@cehaddunebuggy3899]

Well, I guess we have different opinions on who is right. Regardless of Viola's resume, Monique had every right to share her opinion. I guess if Viola ain't happy with what she is being paid then she can quit making movies until she gets paid what she thinks she should be paid. Also, what does Whoopi have to do with anything? My original post cited how pathetic it was that millionaires were complaining about their pay injustice.

[@Jacek0Mazur]

Im glad she's speaking up

[@MsJman22]

This queen. No words. She is phenomenal

[@bernardmungin5940]

Omg! I love Viola Davis! I enjoy listening to her.

[@proplein9397]

Her net worth is 3 Million.. wow.

[@cehaddunebuggy3899]

Really. I checked and I got 12 million.

[@vonmorris5948]

3 or 12 million isn’t enough. For the work that she consistently does, she should be worth more.

[@davy209]

She works way too hard to worth that little!

[@acharich]

🤔🤔🤔

[@proplein9397]

Either way..🤷🏾‍♂️ she's worth more than that. Comparing to many other actors.

[@KCNwokoye]

Truthful, powerful and authentic. Always. The regal Viola.

[@chelee8804]

Put her RESPECT on her name!!!!!!

[@celestegreen84]

She has beautiful soul. She is so smart and just the definition of amazing. I love her so much. Viola, I think you are much better actress than all these names you mentioned..

[@missbumblebee8633]

Why did the audience gasp when said she is considered the black Meryl Streep?

[@x3peeps]

This may sound racist but bear with me. Hollywood is not just America. Hollywood movies gets shipped throughout the world. The entire world. Every production company/ movie studio wants either of the 2 things: either those prestigious Artsy criterion type movies that got the Oscar OR the fun type Marvel or some niche movie genre. The first one is very risky. So they go for the second one and they (writers) have a generalized sense of character that is to be understood by "everyone". On the other hand, black people have got a culture, got a way of speaking, their close community, their references, their music. It's not easily relatable to someone in Europe or even china watching it. Its not "western". They have got a specialised culture, community. That's why one can't immagine Viola Davis playing a character like the ones Meryl streep gets offered. Just imagine, it's not possible. The entire charcater would have to be reworked as a black character. Because white people black people, have a different way of speaking. But this doesn't work for UK movies. They dont have their "Black" culture as much over there... They are all on the same plateau. That's why someone like Thandie Newton can play the role of Helen Mirren in most of the cases. Just imagine. Not everyone is evil and has got racism in their heart. It's all about money. Capitalism is a different ballpark and nothing's fair in it.

[@alakazoom87]

Viola Davis is a great actress dont get me wrong. She's is hardly in enough big movies... Look at Meryl's IMBD vs. hers. I hate mama mia and that crap, but that makes $$$$. So if Viola wants to make money, stop complaining about race and go get in one of these stupid money makers vs. doing Fences (even though its a great movie). Also note the age difference... Meryl has 17 years on Viola, of course she's going to have more $. Data is below: Meryl Streep has 3 oscars, age 71, net worth of 90mil Viola Davis has 1 oscar, age 54, net worth of 12mil

[@victor_dakota7986]

InfiniteLove Viola Davis!!!

[@wisethabrain1100]

Meryl Streep was the lead in a movie that made over 600 million…stop it!

[@TamikaJMusic]

This is almost what Monique is talking about

[@acharich]

Yup..

[@brucebosch9362]

Not almost, exactly. For so long our sisters have been at the bottom of the food chain and I'm glad they are taking a stand. We should all get behind them and do whatever to help them - even if it does mean boycotting Netflix. There is power in black money!

[@naomithornton2159]

Did not know this.. wow. They don't get equal pay? That's sad. She's a good actress. I love her work. Cate Blanchette is good people. Cate Blanchette did say she wants to do something with Viola Davis and I hope Viola Davis take her up on it. They are powerful women both in the screen and off the screen. I'm gonna keep my finger cross. Love Cate Blanchette and Viola Davis.

[@dilio8457]

Let's be real people. Let's stop talking about equality for women until equality on a whole is addressed. What I am saying is that this noise for equality of women does not address the issue of race or black women in particular. I said noise because it's there to drown out what the real issue which racial disparities especially among black women. So I don't want hear another MeToo, Women's equality and all that crap until the real issues are addressed. Because this noise is only drowning out the fight, oppression and everything black women are facing in this society. How can a person as accomplished as Viola Davis cannot demand anything near to the Meryl Streeps?? Let that sink in and recognize the real problem here.

[@risol7182]

Uauh, tem que ser muito corajosa para dizer tantas realidades nesta entrevista. Devia viralizar, acima de tudo as mesmas oportunidades deviam ser dadas a todas as mulheres. Como é possível ainda haver esta discriminação. Viola obrigada por ter guts e expor tanta verdade!

[@toobluntwan]

She's absolutely right!

[@MarthaMansbridge]

I’m sure there are 100 other white actresses who think the same thing - ‘I’m not getting paid what Meryl Streep does’

[@0lusc4s]

That's not the point dumbass

[@gianfran0]

And lets not even start about skin complexions. Cause we all know where that is all about. Viola Davis is so reall with this I love how she speaks her mind and being totally Honest.

[@salvfuent1605]

She is so smart!!! One of the smartest actresses out there, right now!!!

[@mattcall7467]

That’s terrible Viola should be paid the same as her contemporaries!! Shame on you Hollywood

[@waynehammond7145]

The business she is in does not reward academic achievement! The amount of money an actor or actress is paid is determined, by a large extent , by the amount of people that show up at the box office to pay and see her movies. That is not racist or unfair....it is business. I love Viola Davis as well as Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and everybody else...... The movie business is very risky and if I was seeking to make a handsome return on my investment....I would have to choose people that have demonstrated that they can get the crowd out to pay for and watch the movies they star in. That is just business of the the factual order!! Racism it is not!!

[@juanitaf.m]

I notice a lot of people saying Viola is saying the same thing as Monique. Here's the difference Monique isn't getting the calls and negotiations that Viola is getting. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, Viola isn't calling for a boycott. You shouldn't be calling for those unless you have leverage and a strategy/benefit resulting for the masses. She is merely highlighting an issue that exists in the entertainment industry-- not "complaining". No shade to Monique but this is a slightly different conversation... Do yourselves a favor, and watch this interview (ignoring the interviewer who is pretty oblivious) in its full version and see how differently Viola lays the groundwork for the talking points than Monique.

[@JloveLamar]

Viola is my girl, but nobody has a career comparable to Meryl Streep. Streep has surpassed even a lot of the classic actresses.

[@TemujinScott80]

Her credentials and resume seem better pay. She’s up there with her.

[@wisethabrain1100]

@@TemujinScott80not about that it’s about how much u bring in at the box office

[@mirellalastar]

You are entitled to have your opinion, but I doubt she is your girl, though. Your brain refuses to compute a Black woman surpassing a non-Black woman. Okay, you are a tool.

[@5049MIKE]

Are you selling tickets, putting people in the seats. If so, get rich black people like Oprah to back you. If you make people money they will pay you. Denzel proved he was as good or better than anyone in Hollywood and they paid him accordingly.

[@genetmelesse7569]

You are our role model.keep fighting and tell them like it is. You are a phenomenal, amazing, beautiful, smart woman I have known. 👍🏽

[@toni-annbaker]

So true Viola….we have similar problem here in Jamaica as it relates to not being paid what you’re worth

[@ExtremeObservations]

omg you are also a world famous millionaire EGOT actress who just doesn't have enough millions in the bank to scratch the itch?

[@pirateking3465]

Viola Davis is better than Meryl Streep tho

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

Better how?

[@bobbigeehan7221]

No disrespect, and I like Viola Davis but....Meryl Streep has been in the business for 51 years. Viola Davis has been in the business for 24. I wouldn’t exactly say that that is a “comparable” work road. That’s like saying Selena Gomez is comparable to Tina Turner or Cher. Yeah....not even close. Viola Is a good Actor...but she’s no Meryl Streep, however she should indeed be payed what she is worth.

[@waynehammond7145]

The business she is in does not reward academic achievement! The amount of money an actor or actress is paid is determined, by a large extent , by the amount of people that show up at the box office to pay and see her movies. That is not racist or unfair....it is business. I love Viola Davis as well as Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and everybody else...... The movie business is very risky and if I was seeking to make a handsome return on my investment....I would have to choose people that have demonstrated that they can get the crowd out to pay for and watch the movies they star in. That is just business of the the factual order!! Racism it is not!!

[@KungFuHotdog]

Insufferable Woman King Viola...why am I not surprised by this hit piece.

[@namimoselakgomo]

Monique was absolutely right ‼️

[@moonstar247]

She is saying the same thing that Monique saying

[@MrDaRiAn21]

She aint lying. I’ve been hearing it for years from the ones on top. Its a shame

[@thewayiseeit167]

Unfortunately its about ticket sales. They dont pay for quality. It sucks.

[@renatateofilo9887]

Post the whole interview, please. Thank you.

[@08034003]

Amazing! Amen to that Viola! Agree 💯

[@cueva_mc]

This is nonsense. Its crazy how people dont understand supply and demand.

[@bochaquemada7787]

Viola is a QUEEN 🩷👸🏾

[@Violet090298]

Damn even when black ppl make it we still have to strive. I think Meryl street plays on too many movies I’m like dang can they find somebody else to play a old white women I’m tired of seeing her!

[@shruthibaskar1647]

💯 Truth from a legend

[@honeybdream]

Viola is very Likable‼️❤️️

[@epflrz1625]

I love everything about her!

[@Kashi442]

We love you too ❤️❤️❤️❤️from india ...your reality is being real inspire all of us ..you ARE the Beautiful black Meryl Streep

[@animaldictatorship5965]

I love Viola so much what an amazing actress

[@biabia6610]

You tell them, Viola! 👸🏾🖤

[@renegaderunner332]

Viola Davis has an uncanny way of talking about race without offending people.

[@jillvanlowe3058]

TRUTH!🙏🏾❤️😔

[@ellie-tk4jy]

would be good if there were more black women in the audience. I know it's L.A. but still.

[@donnajohnetta]

People see this woman's worth... but the system is so damn skewed.

[@danieln1]

i think being compared to Meryl should be taken as a compliment, very few people can be compared to her... what does she wanted them to say, that she is better than Meryl? no fucking way, even though Viola is an excellent actress

[@Violet090298]

Daniel Gonçalves if there is no one like her she shouldn’t be compared to anyone. I don’t think she took it as “ew that’s bad” she took it as “I’m a good actress and I’m black, but they don’t see me as my own self or my own name that I established in Hollywood” I’d take it as a insult like let me be me😴

[@danieln1]

BlueFlowers I can see your point of view, and I agree with it 😉

[@thebougiewinechick1869]

Omg. The point she was trying to say is that if they are comparing her abilities and resume to Meryl they need to PAY her within a similar range as Meryl

[@jonathand8873]

Is there box office data to support this ?

[@carolanande1355]

PreeeeeAch On #Wakanda

[@nelby1]

She has a point. But also she’s more suitable for the powerful dramatic roles. Roles that bring coin to the bank are often big budget action/comedy/Marvell roles. She tried to do DC but flopped. So she can’t expect to get paid the same if her movies to generate the same revenue.

[@Crewelperleology]

Meryl Streep is not known for action, comedy nor Marvel roles. She's not really known for comedic roles either. Viola Davis expressed her desire for more complex roles, if you recall.

[@briana-allyn]

The title of this video should really be about inequitable pay for black women.

[@simplynay232]

Once again this is still relevant today, why? Fix it!!! And I don’t mean us ✊🏾, we’ve done enough

[@Bsouls5678]

Spitting nothing but truth

[@janedawson1398]

You live in a country where blacks make up only 13% of the population and you assume there should be as many roles available to you as Meryl Streep? It’s a matter of demographics not racism. More so, Meryl Streep has a career spanning over five decades, including a record 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three, and a record 32 Golden Globe Award nominations, winning eight. You won best supporting actress one time. Sorry, but you’re no Meryl Streep and you’re just not in demand like she is. You make a few films based on black culture and it’s just not the majority in America. You want more recognition and accolades move to Africa and start making films over there about black characters. I don’t know what to tell you, but it just seems like you’re not very good at math.

[@cornflower9258]

Have you seen violas body of work?

[@0lusc4s]

Did you read your own comment?

[@rogambrell2896]

@@cornflower9258it’s obvious he hasn’t when he made the most ridiculous statement that she’s made a few movies on black culture lol. Um he obviously has her confused with Taraji. Viola’s body of work is insane.