American Actress and Comedian, Monique has filled a lawsuit against Netflix of pay discrimination based on her race and gender. The suit is coming after two years of calling out Netflix for low balling her.
She wrote on Instagram: “Hi my loves- I can confirm that today I filled a pay discrimination lawsuit against Netflix. 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.”
The star claims that Netflix offered her far less than what it paid other comedians for a proposed special.
“Why shouldn’t I get what the legends are getting?” She added. The 51-year-old comedian won an Oscar for best supporting actress in 2010 for her role in the film “Precious.”
She alleged that Netflix offer of $500,000 for an hour-long stand up special two years ago compared to the millions paid other comedians “perpetuated the pay gap suffered by black women.” According to the lawsuit, she is seeking unspecified damages.
Netflix has since responded to the lawsuit in a statement by a spokesperson.
“We care about inclusion, equity, and diversity and take any accusations of discrimination very seriously. We believe our opening offer to Monique was fair- which is why we will be fighting this lawsuit.”
Other accusations made against Netflix include that the company turned “a blind eye ” to racial abuse. It also accuses them of using racist language.
Comedian Wanda Sykes thanked Monique for speaking out. She said Netflix offered her even less.