Mo’Nique Sues Netflix for Alleged ‘Pay Discrimination’

Mo'Nique (Credit: Shutterstock)

Mo’Nique has fired a new round in her battle with Netflix — this time in court.

The Oscar-winning actress and comedian filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging racial and gender discrimination.

The lawsuit claims the company “made a lowball offer that was only a fraction of what Netflix paid other (non-Black female) comedians,” according to court documents obtained by Variety.

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Mo’Nique called for a boycott of Netflix in January 2018, after she said the streamer offered her $500,000 for a one-hour standup special.

The suit says Netflix offered comedian Amy Schumer $11 million in 2017 for an hourlong special. It says the company reportedly signed a deal with Dave Chappelle worth $60 million in 2016 for three specials. Chris Rock was reportedly offered $40 million in 2016 for two specials, according to the lawsuit.

The 39-page complaint also alleges that Netflix has a diversity problem among its workforce. The suit includes photos of seven members of the company’s senior leadership team — all of whom are white.

“Given the lack of racial diversity at the top, it is not surprising that Netflix’s workforce similarly lacks racial diversity across-the-board,” the lawsuit states. The complaint says black people currently make up just 6 percent of Netflix employees.

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages.

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Mo’Nique addressed the filing in a message to her fans Thursday on Instagram.

“Hi My Loves — I can confirm today that I filed a pay discrimination lawsuit against Netflix,” she wrote. “I had a choice to make: 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. I chose to stand up. I don’t have any further comment at this time, but I appreciate all of your support and love.”

Netflix released a statement denying the allegations and said it will fight the lawsuit.

“We care deeply about inclusion, equity, and diversity and take any accusations of discrimination very seriously,” the statement said. “We believe our opening offer to Mo’Nique was fair — which is why we will be fighting this lawsuit.”

Mo'Nique Instagram Post About Netflix Lawsuit (Credit: Instagram)
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