Word to the wise: Do NOT ask Taraji P. Henson about the Jussie Smollet scandal. Unless, of course, you want to piss her off.
The actress recently sat down with Extra’s Renee Bargh to talk about her new film “The Best of Enemies” where she was joined by her co-star Sam Rockwell.
Right off the bat, Bargh asks Henson about her “Empire” co-star Jussie Smollett, who recently pleaded not guilty to 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct against him.
Related: “Empire” ratings fall through the floor following Jussie Smollett scandal
“Um, you just have to say strong,” Henson replies, keeping her arms folded across her chest and clearly not interested in talking about it.
“And you have to stay positive,” she adds, “full of hope.”
When Bargh asks how the rest of the “Empire” cast is handling the situation, Henson cuts her off by simply saying “Strong,” then shakes her head as if to signal she’s D-O-N-E done answering questions about it.
Related: Jussie Smollett just filed his plea in alleged hate crime hoax
Bargh took the hint and quickly moved on to discuss other things, including Henson’s upcoming wedding and, oh yeah, that movie she’s supposed to be promoting.
“It shows you that hate is taught and love always wins,” she says of the film.
Since the Smollett scandal broke, producers deleted his scenes from the remainder of the season, and there have been rumors that his role will be recast. If the show survives, that is. Ratings have fallen by double digits, down nearly 30 percent.
Watch.
iamru2
If only LOVE always won wouldn’t that be great
Gotta say i don’t blame her for not wanting to talk about Jussie. I mean the guy is a psychopath and knows where she works and lives and how to get to her why would she want to risk making him angry at her?
Brian
Yeah, I’m sure she doesn’t want a half inch scratch on her face.
Jussie_Racist_Clown
Brian, I’m dying over here. You da BIG bi*tch, yes you are. Hahahhahaha.
Brian
I’m actually surprised that the reporters weren’t told that anything about Empire and Jussie were off limits.
Brian
They’re doing a press junket for a movie. Of course that could be a requirement.
iamru2
They could require it then lose a lot of media outlets who would refuse.
Brian
What media outlets are going to refuse? They get like 5 minutes each to ask a couple of fluff questions for their entertainment division. They know what they’re there for, that’s not going to be the opportunity they take for some hard hitting journalism. When it’s time for Taraji to talk about it, it ain’t gonna be to Mario Lopez.
nitejonboy
Still, she has the right to say ” I’m not going to discuss that, next question “, and it be totally reasonable. I wouldn’t want to discuss it either, that’s not why she’s there.
Jussie_Racist_Clown
I’m not getting why actors fall into that weird Aunt Jemima, finger snapping, southern drag queen accent and personality when they’re being interviewed. Just be straight, use your own voice and stop camping. Justin did it too “I’m strong, I can fight, I punch his ass, yeah”. Oh god, Justin. Oh god.
dean089
Because straight people acting like an over-the-top gay stereotype is funny, haven’t you heard? {{end snark}}
Blackceo
As opposed to what? Walking around like we have a stick up our ass all boring and beige?
Rock-N-RollHS
Probably biggest promotion for Empire in years. Ratings will probably go up next season (then plummet again). Maybe da’ Juss should get a commission.