Comedian Mo’Nique suing Netflix for race and gender discrimination
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Comedian and Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique is suing Netflix.
She's accusing the streaming company of racial and gender discrimination for attempting to underpay her in 2017 for a stand-up special in comparison to what the company paid other stars for similar work.
The suit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Netflix is one of Hollywood’s most innovative companies, yet it not only perpetuates racial and gender inequality, it also takes advantage of a gender pay gap that disproportionately affects black women, who nationwide make only 61 cents for every dollar white males bring home,” Mo’Nique’s lawyer Michael Parks said in a press release to Fox News.
“When Mo’Nique, one of the most well-known black female comedians in America, faced that anachronistic attitude, she knew it was time to challenge the status quo," Parks said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The comic was reportedly offered $500,000 for the special while "other white male or female and black male comedians received deals at or above $20 million per comedy special," he continued.
The suit alleges that Netflix paid Amy Schumer $13 million for an hourlong special in 2017 after negotiating with her from their starting point of $11 million. It also alleges that Chris Rock and Ricky Gervais were offered $40 million each for two specials around 2016, Dave Chapelle was paid $60 million for three specials in 2016, and Jerry Seinfeld raked in $100 million for two specials and his interview series, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee."
The lawsuit additionally alleges that "when Mo’Nique spoke up against what she believed was a discriminatory offer, Netflix responded retaliatorily by refusing to negotiate in good faith with her."
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Mo'Nique, 51, addressed the lawsuit in a statement she posted to social media on Thursday.
"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," she said. "I chose to stand up."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}David M. deRubertis, who also represents Mo'Nique, said in the release: “In recent years, the spotlight has appropriately shined on the gender pay inequities that continue to plague the American workforce. By this lawsuit, Mo’Nique is taking a stand against the most severe pay gap of all: the pay gap experienced by black women in the American workforce.”
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A Netflix spokesperson told Fox News on Thursday the company plans on "fighting the lawsuit."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We care deeply about inclusion, equity, 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 spokesperson added.