Mo’Nique sues Netflix for discrimination in show offer

The Oscar-winning actress says she was offered a 'low ball' deal, when others in the industry are offered much more

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Unimedia Images / Rex Features ( 1138063c )
Mo'Nique (Best Supporting Actress 'Precious')
82nd Annual Academy Awards, Press Room, Los Angeles, America - 07 Mar 2010
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American actress Mo’Nique is suing Netflix for racial and gender discrimination in its offer for a proposed comedy special.

The comedian and Oscar-winning actress says Netflix offered her $500,000 (Dh1.8 million) for a comedy special and refused to negotiate further.

The suit says that stands in contrast to deals reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars for comedy specials from other comedians, such as Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Dave Chapelle and Ricky Gervais.

Mo'Nique in 'Precious'.  Lionsgate
Mo'Nique in 'Precious'.  Lionsgate

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

The suit says Netflix violated California’s fair employment laws and is representative of a major pay gap in all employment for black women. It claims Netflix has a corporate culture that tolerates racial insensitivity and impropriety.

This lawsuit comes one year after the former star of The Parkers called for a boycott of Netflix for "colour bias and gender bias".

Mo'Nique is perhaps best known for her award-winning role in Precious, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2010.

Netflix have not yet spoken publicly about the suit.

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