Gabrielle Union Says Black Hollywood Is "1 Or 2" Checks Away From Broke

BY Erika Marie 6.8K Views
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Gabrielle Union, Black Hollywood
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Gabrielle Union recently spoke about how Black Hollywood was being impacted by the pandemic and faced a bit of backlash from critics.

The COVID-19 pandemic quarantine has economically impacted hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Independent contractors, small business owners, large corporations, and various industries have found themselves at a standstill or unsure about their financial futures. Hollywood productions have come to halt, and while people assume their favorites entertainers are off living lives of luxury in their mansions, Gabrielle Union claims that many are close to finding themselves in financial ruin.

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The actress was recently involved in a social media interview where she was asked about how this pandemic was affecting Black Hollywood. “For most certainly black entertainers, black 'celebrities' we don't really...for all of the Oprahs and the people who have just a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of money...most of us are one or two checks away from not having money to pay for all of our things, you know what I mean?"

Viewers were quick to point out that Gabrielle Union and her husband Dwyane Wade are said to have a net worth that exceeds $100 million, so they criticized her for speaking about struggles. Gabrielle responded and said, "DEFINITELY not comparing struggles. The question that was asked if you watch the whole thing was SPECIFICALLY about how this is impacting Hollywood/Black Hollywood. I have been at every level of the game so I speak from personal experience. That is all. But let's discuss." Watch the clip below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.