Just when you thought the Mo’Nique v Lee Daniels in the court of Empire court of law was a dead issue, turns out it’s not.
The always well-spoken and thoughtful comedienne appeared on Sway in the Morning to provide physical proof that she just wasn’t salty that Taraji P. Henson got the role of Cookie Lyons over her. She came equipped with emails.
theGrio has the transcriptions.
Feb. 18, 2014
Good Afternoon,
Lee Daniels had a conversation with Mo’Nique about his new television pilot for Imagine Tv/Fox called “Empire.” We would like to screen test her for the role of ‘Cookie.’ Please contact us with her television quotes, so that we can start a test, option, deal. We are tentatively looking at Monday, Feb 24 for the screen test.
Feb. 18, 2014
Hello I am following up on my previous e-mail regarding Lee Daniels’ pilot and Mo’Nique’s television quotes. This is a time sensitive matter. Lee really does not want Mo’Nique to miss this opportunity.
And then, FOX said “hell to the naw” so we got this.
March 3, 2014
Unfortunately it’s not going any further for Mo’Nique. Lee fought for her because he thought she would be great for the pilot but studio and network executives insisted on offering the role to Taraji. Thank you so much for providing us with her information. Sorry it didn’t work out. We’re all big fans of hers.
The email reading portion begins at the 6:38 mark. She does make it clear that her intent is to clear her name opposed to slandering Lee Daniels’ name. Watch the Sway’s Universe interview below.
—
Photo: Sway’s Universe
