DIY VIRAL
Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou, known for his powerful performances in hit films and two Academy Award nominations, recently revealed the financial struggles he continues to face despite a career spanning over two decades.
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In an emotional and revealing interview with CNN Africa's Larry Madowo, the 60-year-old actor opened up about how systemic racism and lack of fair pay marred his journey in Hollywood.
“I still struggle to make a living,” Hounsou candidly revealed. “I have been in the film business for over two decades, with two Oscar nominations and numerous successful films, and yet I still struggle financially. I'm definitely underpaid.
The actor, famous for his roles in films such as Amistad, gladiatorAnd Blood Diamondshed light on her experiences with bias in the industry. He recounted the dismissive attitudes he encountered early in his career, including during awards season.
“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they passed me over for the Oscars because they thought I had just left the boat and left the street,” he said. “Even though I managed to pull it off, they just didn't feel like I was an actor they should pay homage to. This conceptual idea of diversity therefore still has a long way to go. Systemic racism is not going to change anytime soon.”
Other black celebrities co-sign Djimon Hounsou's comments
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Hounsou's revelations struck a chord in the entertainment industry, sparking a conversation about the ongoing disparities faced by black actors in Hollywood. Other artists and colleagues took to social media to express their support, echoing Hounsou's sentiments and sharing their own struggles.
Jason Mitchell, known for his portrayal of Eazy-E in Straight out of Comptoncommented: “I experienced the exact same thing. I played Eazy-E and they had the nerve to say I was his son and I wasn't playing. I'm from Uptown Hollygrove, New Orleans — LA. I had never been to California before. The accent alone was difficult enough in itself.
Rapper and actor Xzibit also expressed his solidarity, writing, “I felt every word of this. This man is one of our greats. But isn’t it strange that we’ve all been thrown the exact same “carrot” and never got there? Apparently something is wrong.
Hounsou's story highlights the broader challenges black artists face in Hollywood, where diversity and inclusion are often celebrated in public but fail to translate into tangible equity behind the scenes. His talent and dedication have earned him a place among Hollywood's best, but his struggles reflect the systemic inequalities that persist in the industry.
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Fans and supporters hope that this moment of vulnerability and truth will galvanize change, ensuring that artists like Hounsou receive the recognition, respect and compensation they rightly deserve.
As discussions about racism and diversity in Hollywood continue to grow, Djimon Hounsou's story is a powerful reminder that real change still requires a lot of work. The industry – and its fans – must face the fact that there is still a big gap between what Hollywood claims to represent and what is actually happening.
With such incredible talent, we hope Djimon gets better treatment in the near future in Hollywood.
DIY VIRAL
