Here’s How Director Lee Daniels’ Apology To Mo’Nique Over Precious Fallout Paved Way For Their Reunion In The Deliverance

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As a devoted fan with a soft spot for heartwarming Hollywood tales, I must say that the reconciliation of Lee Daniels and Mo’Nique is nothing short of inspiring! It’s like watching a beautifully crafted film where the estranged characters find their way back to each other. Their friendship, which was torn apart over a decade ago, has not only been mended but also serves as a powerful reminder that apologies can bridge even the widest chasms.

Over a span of over ten years, the friendship between filmmaker Lee Daniels and actress Mo’Nique was able to heal, an event that felt almost miraculous according to Daniels himself. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, as he promoted his upcoming film, The Deliverance, in which Mo’Nique stars, Daniels talked about their reconciliation.

Back in 2009, when we collaborated on the dramatic masterpiece “Precious,” a misunderstanding between me and the extraordinary actress I worked with arose during the film’s promotion. She felt uncomfortable promoting it, and our disagreement escalated to the point where I regretfully warned her that she might face industry-wide rejection, or as I put it, being “blackballed.” It’s been almost fifteen long years since we’ve spoken, but in 2022, I humbly took the stage and sincerely apologized to Mo’Nique for my part in that unfortunate incident.

Daniel shared with THR that it felt like divine intervention led to Mo’Nique’s casting in The Deliverance. “To me, discovering my higher power also meant comprehending its essence,” he said. “This understanding encompassed forgiveness, even if I didn’t grasp the reasons for it. It required me to acknowledge that she was hurt and that she is my sister, whom I deeply care for.”

In discussing his strategy for reconciling with Mo’Nique, Daniels explained that he was resolute in both offering an apology and doing so publicly, if necessary, as part of their potential collaboration on a future film project.

In a chat they had over the phone in March 2023, Mo’Nique revealed that Daniels apologized to her during her 2022 NYC comedy show, an apology which was also accepted. This conversation was where Daniels also offered Mo’Nique the role in The Deliverance.

Last year, the actress shared with THR that when she requested her ex-friend make a public apology for their public dispute, he merely asked her to inform him of the time and place for his apology.

In the annals of Hollywood, it’s unprecedented for a major director to publicly apologize to an actress for any misconduct, according to Mo’Nique.

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2024-08-22 09:22