Taraji P. Henson jokes that “the biggest pimps are in Hollywood”

Taraji P. Henson She joked that “the biggest pimps are in Hollywood” while reflecting on her performance at the 2006 Oscars.

During an appearance on the Tuesday, September 3, episode of Tonight's show starring Jimmy FallonHenson was asked what she remembered about her performance of “It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp” at the 78th Academy Awards. Henson, 53, and Three 6 Mafia performed the song, taken from the Oscar-winning film. Hustle and bustle — live, as it was nominated and won the award for Best Original Song.

“That was crazy,” Henson recalled to the host. Jimmy Fallon“First of all, I’m singing about pimps and whores. It was quite surreal. I had to look over the crowd, otherwise I would have frozen as I went out with all my might. [as I did].”

Henson recalled that the front-line audience had their “fists in the air” and noted: “Helen Mirren“Everyone was like, ‘Yeah, it’s tough here! ’ And I was like, ‘What the hell are we doing? ’ It was great!”

“It was a party!” Fallon added.

The Oscar nominee then joked: “The biggest pimps are in Hollywood!”

Henson quickly added, “I didn’t say that!” as she looked around the room and under her seat. Pointing to a prop microphone on Fallon’s desk, she joked, “That’s what that thing said!”

Henson has been outspoken about pay disparities in Hollywood in the past. In December 2023, she revealed that she almost turned down her role as Shug Avery in the recent musical adaptation of The color purple due to a wage dispute.

“I almost had to walk away from The color purple“Henson said during a live interview with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. “Yes, ma’am. … If I don’t take a stand, how am I making it easy for them?” Fancy [Barrino] and Danielle [Brooks] and Halle [Bailey] and Phylicia [Pearl Mpasi]Why am I doing this if this is all just for me?

While Henson did not share details about the discrepancy in her offer, she noted that she had not received a “raise” since starring in the 2018 film. Proud Mary.

“I’m so tired of black women having the same story, it breaks my heart,” she admitted. “It’s like every time you achieve something really amazing, it’s almost like the industry sees it as a fluke.”

Speaking exclusively with We weekly At the TIME 100 Gala in April, Henson said she isn't ashamed to speak publicly about her struggles.

Related: Actresses who have spoken out in favor of equal pay

Fighting for what's right! Many Hollywood actresses have used their platforms to try and close the gender pay gap and advocate for equal compensation as their male counterparts. Michelle Williams was at the forefront of the issue when it was revealed in January 2018 that she was being paid less than $1,000 for her work. […]

“My strength is in my vulnerability. I lean on that because that’s where the strength is,” the actress said. “In order to fix or change something, you have to be vulnerable. You have to be, and that takes courage. That’s bravery. Being vulnerable, trying to be strong. People do that every day.”

Henson added that there is power in letting people see you cry, noting: “It's human.”