If you read the Root regularly, you know the readers respect and love both Lee Daniels, the Oscar-winning director and his muse—Mo’ Nique. Who wasn’t happy to hear a month ago that the feud between the two had ended? The director discussed their reunion in an Instagram post with Mo’Nique at dinner on July 23 of this year.
Daniels visited the Root recently to promote his new horror film: The Deliverance (in select theaters on August 15 and on Netflix August 30) and expanded on the reunion.
But, before we get into what he said, here’s some background: The actress was a part of Daniels’ breakout 2009 film, Precious that won her many awards including an Oscar. Later on, Mo’Nique accused Daniels (along with Tyler Perry and Oprah) of blackballing her for her refusal to promote the film.
Daniels initially apologized onstage to Mo’Nique back in 2022 during her comedy show at the St. George Theater in Staten Island. Now, Daniels and Mo’Nique have since squashed their beef and are moving forward as she is starring in Daniels’ upcoming horror film.
The movie (See Daniels discussing it at the Root here) is about an Indiana home that with frequent demonic occurrences leads the family to believe that the house is haunted. Andra Day and Glenn Close star in the film as well as Mo’Nique.
During his visit at the Root, Daniels had this to say about his friendship with the actor. “She was in my first film. We were just best friends and then it went to the left. I think nothing is better than healing friendship.’’
Daniels was shocked at how “big and newsworthy” their feud was for a while. Since they’ve reconciled, he jumped at the chance to call Mo’Nique to work on this film with him. On that same call Daniels apologized again and was eager to have their relationship return back to normal.
“I called her and said ‘let’s just do this. let’s do this. I’m sorry for whatever it is I did to you.’ I’m sixty five. I have no ego when it comes to that at all,” he said.
Daniels continued that it was also very easy to apologize to her because he missed their relationship. He explained tomorrow isn’t promised and wanted Mo’Nique to “feel better” after everything that transpired.