Mo’Nique’s legal battle with Netflix over alleged racial and sexual discrimination made waves in 2018 when she filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant, claiming she was unfairly offered a comedy special deal that was significantly lower than what other high-profile comedians received. According to the lawsuit, Netflix offered her $500,000 for the special, but with little room for negotiation and control solely in the hands of the streaming company. Mo’Nique argued that this reflected a pattern of underpaying Black women in the entertainment industry, specifically in comparison to her male and white counterparts like Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Dave Chappelle, and Ricky Gervais, who reportedly received much higher offers for their comedy specials.
Netflix denied the accusations, maintaining that their offer was fair, and they emphasized their commitment to “inclusion, equity, and diversity.” However, the lawsuit claimed that Netflix’s actions violated California’s fair employment and civil rights laws. Mo’Nique made it clear on social media that she had a choice: accept the discriminatory offer or stand up for herself and others who might face similar injustices. She chose to stand up, framing the case as a broader fight for fairness.
In 2022, the matter was resolved “amicably,” with both parties coming to a settlement. While the specifics of the resolution weren’t disclosed, it marked the end of a potential legal conflict. Mo’Nique has since regained momentum in her career, with her recent work in Netflix’s horror movie The Deliverance generating buzz, signaling her return to the platform in a different capacity.