Television

Netflix Sued by Oscar-Winner Mo’Nique Over ‘Lowball’ Offer

  • Comedian claims streaming giant discriminates against blacks
  • Netflix accused of refusing to negotiate deal for special
Mo’Nique in the press room at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 7, 2010.Photographer: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique sued Netflix Inc., accusing the streaming giant of racial and gender discrimination by making her a lowball offer for a one-hour, standup show and refusing to negotiate a fair deal.

Mo’nique, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in the 2009 movie “Precious,” says Netflix offered her $500,000 for a comedy special in 2017, which she claims is a fraction of the $20 million per show it pays male comedians, including Ricky Gervais and Chris Rock, or white, female comedians, such as Ellen DeGeneres.