Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary
Fantasia Barrino, a celebrated artist who rose to prominence through her victory on American Idol, has experienced a dynamic and often challenging financial journey. While her career has been marked by significant artistic achievements, including chart-topping music, Grammy awards, and acclaimed acting roles, her net worth has seen considerable fluctuations. At her financial peak, Barrino amassed millions, with Forbes reporting an estimated $4 million in 2011.1 However, public financial assessments currently place her estimated net worth at approximately $500,000.2 This disparity in reported figures underscores a common challenge in accurately assessing the wealth of public figures, where estimates often rely on publicly available, sometimes incomplete or outdated, information and varying valuation methodologies.
The trajectory of Barrino’s wealth reflects a complex interplay of high earning potential from her diverse talents and significant financial setbacks, including substantial losses from real estate investments and admitted early career financial mismanagement and exploitation by industry figures.3 Despite these past challenges, Barrino has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a strategic pivot towards greater financial literacy and entrepreneurial diversification. Her recent ventures, such as Addie’s Place LLC, a burgeoning wine brand, and Rock Soul Productions, signify a conscious effort to build sustainable wealth and exert greater control over her financial destiny. This report will provide a thorough analysis of Fantasia Barrino’s net worth, tracing its evolution, identifying key financial drivers and challenges, and assessing her strategic shifts towards long-term wealth building and financial independence.
II. Introduction
Fantasia Monique Barrino, widely known as Fantasia, emerged as a household name following her triumphant win on the third season of American Idol in 2004.2 This pivotal moment launched a multifaceted career spanning music, acting, and authorship. Her journey, however, illustrates a significant observation: while a platform like
American Idol can provide an unparalleled springboard for immense talent and immediate earnings, it does not inherently equip individuals with the comprehensive financial literacy, robust advisory support, or protective structures necessary to navigate sudden wealth and the often complex and demanding entertainment industry.
Barrino’s narrative arc, moving from rapid initial success to profound financial hardship and subsequently embarking on a journey of recovery and increased financial acumen, forms a central theme in understanding her financial standing. This report aims to conduct a thorough analysis of her net worth, tracing its evolution, identifying the primary financial drivers and challenges she has encountered, and assessing her strategic shifts towards long-term wealth creation and financial independence. By examining the interplay of her professional achievements and personal financial decisions, a clearer picture of her current financial status and future potential can be established.
III. Current Net Worth Assessment
Assessing the precise net worth of public figures like Fantasia Barrino can be challenging due to the inherent estimation involved and the varying methodologies employed by different financial reporting entities. Public financial reporting for celebrities often lags or presents inconsistencies, leading to a range of figures that can create public confusion regarding an individual’s actual financial standing.
The most consistently reported current estimated net worth for Fantasia Barrino is $500,000. This figure is frequently cited by sources such as Celebrity Net Worth 2 and Screendollars.com.2 A recent update from Afrotech, dated May 21, 2024, also confirms this estimate from Celebrity Net Worth.3
However, other sources have presented different figures, reflecting either historical peaks, differing valuation models, or potential delays in updating information:
- Market Realist reported her net worth as $1 Million as of November 17, 2023.6
- Blavity stated her “standing net worth is upwards of $5 million” 8, noting it was “first reported to be $500,000,” which might suggest a more optimistic or potentially outdated assessment by that publication.
- Forbes estimated her net worth at $4 million in 2011 1, which represents a historical peak during a period of significant album sales and touring activity.
Given the multiple sources that consistently cite $500,000, particularly with recent updates, this figure appears to be the most widely accepted and current estimate from reputable celebrity financial tracking sites. The $1 million figure from Market Realist, while more recent than some, is less widely corroborated, and Blavity’s “upwards of $5 million” appears to be an outlier or a reflection of gross earnings or future potential rather than current net assets. The Forbes $4 million figure from 2011 clearly indicates a past financial high point rather than her present financial status. This critical evaluation of sources is essential for providing the most accurate contemporary assessment.
To illustrate the reported figures and their context, the following table provides a summary:
Table 1: Reported Net Worth Figures
Source | Reported Net Worth | Date of Report/Update | Notes |
Celebrity Net Worth / Screendollars.com / Afrotech | $500,000 | May 2024 / Jul 2024 | Most consistently reported current estimate |
Market Realist | $1,000,000 | November 2023 | More recent, but less widely corroborated |
Blavity | Upwards of $5,000,000 | Undated (cited 2024) | Potential overestimation or gross earnings; notes initial report of $500,000 |
Forbes | $4,000,000 | July 2011 | Historical peak during a period of significant album sales and touring |
IV. Historical Financial Trajectory and Key Milestones
Fantasia Barrino’s financial trajectory is closely intertwined with her remarkable career milestones, which began with a rapid ascent following her American Idol victory. In 2004, her win propelled her into immediate stardom.2 Her debut single, “I Believe,” impressively debuted at Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and her first album,
Free Yourself, quickly achieved platinum certification, selling over a million copies.4 This initial success garnered her three Grammy nominations, solidifying her place as a major recording artist.
Her career continued to flourish with subsequent musical releases. Her second album, Fantasia, released in 2006, featured the top-ten single “When I See You”.4 In 2010, her third studio album,
Back to Me, yielded the hit single “Bittersweet,” for which she won a Grammy Award for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance”.4 This period marked a significant financial peak, with Forbes estimating her net worth at $4 million in 2011, ranking her as the fourth top-earning
American Idol contestant. This valuation was attributed largely to her new album and an extensive touring schedule of 38 shows.1
Beyond music, Barrino expanded her professional portfolio into acting and authorship. In 2007, she took on the demanding role of Celie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple, a role she would later reprise on screen.4 She also appeared in other Broadway productions like
After Midnight.8 Her autobiography,
Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, became a New York Times best-seller and was adapted into a Lifetime TV movie, The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale, which attracted over 19 million viewers.4 Her television credits include appearances on
American Dreams, All of Us, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a guest voice on The Simpsons, along with guest spots on shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.4 She also performed tributes at various award shows for music legends such as Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, and opened for major artists like Jamie Foxx and Kanye West.8
Despite this consistent professional output and periods of high earning potential, the significant decline from her reported $4 million peak to the current $500,000 estimate indicates that initial high earnings and robust career momentum did not automatically translate into sustained wealth. This suggests that substantial wealth erosion occurred after her initial peak, despite her continued professional activity and artistic output. It highlights the critical importance of financial literacy and robust management structures for converting earnings into lasting wealth, even for highly successful public figures.
The following table summarizes key career milestones and their associated financial implications:
Table 2: Key Career Milestones and Associated Financial Impact
Year | Milestone/Event | Description | Direct/Indirect Financial Impact |
2004 | American Idol Win | Winner of Season 3 | Launched career, immediate commercial success, high earning potential |
2004 | “I Believe” & Free Yourself | Debut single #1 Billboard Hot 100; debut album certified platinum (1M+ copies) | Significant music sales, initial wealth accumulation |
2006 | Fantasia Album | Second studio album, featured top-ten single “When I See You” | Continued music sales and touring revenue |
2007 | Broadway Debut: The Color Purple | Played Celie in acclaimed musical | Significant income from acting, expanded professional portfolio |
2010 | Back to Me Album & Grammy Win | Third studio album, “Bittersweet” won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | Boosted music sales, increased performance fees, critical acclaim |
2011 | Forbes Net Worth Estimate | Ranked 4th Top-Earning American Idol at $4 million | Indication of peak financial period, driven by album sales and shows 1 |
2005-2013+ | TV Appearances & Tours | Guest roles (American Dreams, The Simpsons), talk show appearances, opening for major artists, headlining festivals | Diversified income streams, maintained public visibility and earning opportunities |
Undated | Life Is Not a Fairy Tale | Autobiography and Lifetime TV movie adaptation (19M+ viewers) | Income from book sales and film rights, increased public profile |
V. Factors Influencing Net Worth Fluctuations
Fantasia Barrino’s net worth has experienced significant fluctuations, a dynamic that can be attributed to a combination of diverse income streams from her multifaceted career and substantial financial setbacks stemming from mismanagement and external factors.
Primary Income Streams
Barrino’s career has generated income from various entertainment avenues:
- Music Career: Her foundation in music has been a consistent source of earnings. This includes revenue from album sales, such as her platinum-selling debut Free Yourself and the Grammy-winning Back to Me.4 Touring and live performances have also been crucial, with her 38 shows in 2011 contributing to her then-$4 million net worth.1 She has opened for prominent artists like Jamie Foxx and Kanye West and headlined festivals.4 Her ongoing presence on platforms like Spotify, with approximately 2.8 million monthly listeners, indicates continued streaming revenue.9
- Acting Engagements: Barrino has leveraged her talent into a successful acting career. Her television appearances include roles on American Dreams, All of Us, The Fantasia Barrino Story, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a guest voice on The Simpsons.4 Broadway has been a significant contributor, with acclaimed roles in
The Color Purple (2007) and After Midnight.2 Most recently, her starring role as Celie in the 2023 film adaptation of
The Color Purple marked a major career highlight.2 - Other Ventures: Her autobiography, Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, and its subsequent Lifetime TV movie adaptation, generated income and significant viewership.4 Additionally, her voice has been sought after for tributes at award shows and various guest appearances.4
Significant Financial Setbacks
Despite her robust earning potential, Barrino faced considerable financial challenges that significantly impacted her net worth:
- Real Estate Investments and Losses: A major factor in her wealth erosion involved substantial losses in real estate. In 2004, she purchased a home in North Carolina for over $740,000, only to sell it in 2018 at a loss of $300,000.3 A more impactful financial misstep occurred in 2007 when she acquired a lavish mansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, for over $1.3 million. This property was foreclosed upon just two years later after she failed to sell it, even with significant price reductions.3 This series of events is identified as potentially her largest financial misstep.3
- Impact of Early Financial Mismanagement and Industry Exploitation: Barrino has openly discussed her past financial struggles, attributing them to being taken advantage of by “greedy music industry figures behind the scenes” 3 and “various figures in the music industry who enriched themselves at her expense”.3 She admitted to lacking the necessary financial wisdom early in her career, stating she “didn’t understand contracts or how to monitor her finances, instead trusting those around her”.3 This foundational lack of knowledge, combined with instances of exploitation, created a cascading effect of financial decline. She explicitly stated, “I lost a lot. I lost everything”.7 This highlights how a lack of financial education and a susceptible position within an industry where artists can be easily exploited can lead to significant wealth erosion.
- Tax Liabilities and Their Resolution: A critical financial crisis emerged when she owed $1 million in taxes, leading to her house almost being put up for auction.7 The situation was exacerbated by her lawyer’s failure to appear in court, which contributed to the threat of foreclosure.7 At the time, she believed her only option was to perform more shows to pay off the debt, indicating her limited awareness regarding other financial solutions like bankruptcy.7
The consistent professional output and public visibility maintained by Barrino throughout this period of financial distress present a compelling observation: there can be a significant disconnect between public success and private financial reality in the entertainment industry. Audiences often perceive a consistently successful artist as inherently financially secure, but this case reveals that high gross earnings do not always translate into robust net wealth or financial stability, especially in the absence of sound personal financial management and adequate protection against predatory practices.
VI. Recent Business Ventures and Evolving Financial Strategy
Fantasia Barrino’s recent career trajectory signifies a deliberate and strategic pivot towards entrepreneurship and a profound commitment to enhanced financial literacy. This shift represents a fundamental maturation in her financial approach, moving from a reactive stance driven by immediate needs to a proactive strategy focused on diversified wealth building and long-term stability.
Entrepreneurial Diversification
Barrino has launched several new business ventures, demonstrating a clear intent to broaden her income streams and exert greater control over her financial destiny:
- Addie’s Place LLC: This venture is deeply personal, launched to honor her late grandmother, Apostle Addie Collins.10 The brand is set to offer a diverse range of products, including swimwear (aiming for a “sexy, yet classy” vibe), nightgowns, and candles.10 The Instagram bio for Addie’s Place LLC further indicates a broad lifestyle brand, listing “Fashion, Consignment Items worn by @tasiasword, Candles, Wine and Cosmetics/Beauty Products!”.10 The early public interest is evident, with the Instagram page already boasting over 40,000 followers 12, suggesting significant brand potential, though specific financial success metrics are not yet publicly detailed.10
- Wine Brand: Barrino is embarking on the launch of her own wine brand, with plans to release both a rosé and a red wine.13 A crucial aspect of this venture is her personal investment in the product: she obtained her sommelier certificate. This commitment underscores her genuine desire to understand the wine-making process and to avoid the perception of merely “putting my name on a wine to try to make money”.7 She has expressed a personal connection to the process, metaphorically relating the “pressing” of wine to her own life’s journey.13 While specific sales figures are not yet available 7, the substantial size of the U.S. wine market, projected to generate $39 billion in 2024 14, offers significant opportunity.
- Rock Soul Productions: This entertainment company was co-founded with live event producer and artist manager Yvonne McNair.15 Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Rock Soul Productions is a full-service operation with divisions dedicated to management, production, and entertainment ventures.15 Barrino describes this venture as providing her “true Independence in Having my own Label, running several successful companies” 10, signaling a clear desire for greater autonomy and control over her creative and financial output. This positions her not just as a performer but as an industry executive.
Shift Towards Financial Literacy and Strategic Wealth Building
A pivotal aspect of Barrino’s evolving financial strategy is her explicit commitment to increased financial literacy. She has “expressed in recent years that she has become more financially literate as her career has progressed”.3 This is supported by her statement that she is now “surrounded by a more informed team educating her on how to create wealth”.7 Her active engagement in learning about complex financial instruments like trusts and her decision to hire her own chairman 7 indicate a sophisticated, long-term approach to wealth management, moving beyond past reactive financial decisions.
This transition from being solely a talent-dependent earner to a proactive business owner and investor is a critical development for her long-term financial health. Her stated goal to “build and open doors for other Black people so they can leave this world and die with a legacy, and not be broke or broken” 7 highlights a broader vision beyond personal wealth, suggesting that these ventures are integral to her personal narrative of resilience and empowerment, serving as a means to secure a financial future more independent of traditional, potentially exploitative, industry structures.
VII. Impact of The Color Purple (2023) on Net Worth
Fantasia Barrino’s acclaimed starring role as Celie in the 2023 film adaptation of The Color Purple represents a significant career resurgence, with a nuanced impact on her net worth. The film garnered critical acclaim for her performance, earning her a Golden Globe nomination 11, and achieved substantial commercial success, boasting the second-highest Christmas Day opening with $18.15 million.11 Barrino herself noted that the role allowed her to tap into self-love and inspire audiences, indicating a profound personal and artistic connection.8
However, the direct financial contribution from her salary for this major role was surprisingly modest. Reports indicate she received $40,000 after taxes and paying her team.16 This figure is notably low for a lead role in a major motion picture, especially when compared to Oprah Winfrey’s $35,000 for her role in the 1985 film, which, adjusted for inflation, equates to over $100,000 in 2023.17 This disparity suggests that Barrino, or her management, viewed this role not primarily as an immediate cash cow, but as a strategic investment in her career capital and long-term market value.
The true financial impact of The Color Purple on Barrino’s net worth is therefore largely indirect and long-term. The film provided immense visibility and critical acclaim, marking a powerful career revitalization.2 This resurgence has led to renewed buzz around her career and increased demand for her talents across various entertainment sectors. Such enhanced visibility and critical recognition can translate into significantly higher future earnings from subsequent acting roles, music projects, endorsements, and an increased market value for her entrepreneurial ventures.
Furthermore, Barrino’s personal story of overcoming financial struggles and her journey of resilience aligns powerfully with Celie’s narrative of triumph over adversity in The Color Purple.5 Her performance, deeply rooted in her own experiences with trauma and healing 5, resonated profoundly with audiences and critics. This narrative congruence enhances her public image, transforming her into a highly relatable, inspiring, and compelling figure. This intangible brand enhancement, rooted in authenticity and perseverance, can significantly increase her long-term earning potential across all her ventures by making her a more attractive partner for endorsements and collaborations. The film’s success, coupled with her authentic personal narrative, creates a powerful brand story that extends beyond the box office.
VIII. Future Outlook and Recommendations
Fantasia Barrino’s future financial trajectory appears poised for growth, underpinned by her enhanced financial literacy and strategically diversified business portfolio. Her explicit commitment to becoming “more financially literate” 3 and being surrounded by a “more informed team” 7 is the most critical factor for sustained financial stability and growth. Her active engagement in learning about complex financial instruments like trusts and her proactive approach to hiring her own chairman 7 indicate a sophisticated, long-term approach to wealth management, moving beyond past reactive financial decisions.
Her new entrepreneurial ventures hold significant potential:
- Addie’s Place LLC: While current financial success metrics are not yet detailed 10, the strong initial Instagram following 12 suggests considerable market interest and brand potential. The broad diversification into fashion, consignment, candles, wine, and cosmetics 10 creates multiple potential revenue streams and reduces reliance on any single product line, fostering resilience.
- Wine Brand: Barrino’s personal investment in her wine brand, exemplified by obtaining a sommelier certificate 7, adds authenticity and credibility that can appeal to a discerning market. The substantial size of the U.S. wine market, projected to generate $39 billion in 2024 14, offers a significant opportunity for market penetration and growth, provided effective marketing and distribution strategies are implemented.
- Rock Soul Productions: Owning her own entertainment company 10 provides “true independence” 10, allowing her to control her creative and financial output. This structure can potentially maximize profits by reducing reliance on intermediaries and enabling her to foster new talent under her own terms, positioning her as an industry executive.
Upcoming projects, such as a long-awaited gospel album 3, could tap into a new market segment or re-engage her existing fanbase, potentially leading to significant sales and touring opportunities. Furthermore, continued acting opportunities are highly probable following the critical and commercial success of
The Color Purple, which could lead to higher-paying roles and increased visibility.
A significant element contributing to her future success is the power of her personal narrative in financial recovery and brand value enhancement. Her public acknowledgment of past financial struggles and her ongoing journey towards financial literacy 3 is a powerful and relatable story. This vulnerability, coupled with her subsequent resilience and artistic triumph in
The Color Purple, transforms her into an inspiring figure. This narrative adds significant intangible value to her brand, making her entrepreneurial ventures more compelling and potentially more successful. Consumers and partners are often drawn to authentic stories of perseverance, which can be strategically leveraged to drive the success of her new businesses, attract investment, and secure future lucrative opportunities, extending her influence beyond her artistic output.
For sustained wealth management and legacy building, several recommendations can be made:
- Continued Strategic Diversification: Explore additional strategic investments beyond current ventures, possibly in technology, education, or real estate (with improved strategies), leveraging her platform and network.
- Robust Financial Planning and Asset Protection: Maintain a strong, transparent financial team focused on long-term growth, asset protection (e.g., maximizing the use of trusts and other wealth preservation tools as she is learning 7), and tax efficiency to prevent past issues from recurring.
- Strategic Brand Leverage: Continuously and strategically use her revitalized public image and inspiring comeback story to secure high-value endorsements, speaking engagements, and partnerships that align with her personal brand and long-term financial and philanthropic goals.
- Mentorship and Advocacy: Continue to share her journey and financial lessons to empower other artists and individuals, as she has expressed a desire to “open doors for other Black people so they can leave this world and die with a legacy”.7 This not only builds significant social capital but also enhances her legacy beyond purely financial metrics.
Crucially, her long-term financial health and the realization of her legacy goals are increasingly tied to the successful development and management of these businesses and her ability to nurture them into self-sustaining entities, rather than just her ongoing artistic output. This represents a critical transition from primarily talent-dependent income to asset-based, scalable wealth, which is essential for achieving sustained financial well-being and enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
IX. Conclusion
Fantasia Barrino’s financial journey is a compelling narrative defined by extraordinary talent, significant adversity, profound resilience, and a strategic evolution towards financial independence. Her initial meteoric rise post-American Idol brought considerable wealth, yet this was subsequently eroded by a combination of early financial mismanagement, alleged industry exploitation, and substantial real estate losses. This trajectory highlights a common observation within the entertainment industry: initial success and high earnings do not automatically translate into sustained wealth, particularly without robust financial literacy and protective structures.
Despite these formidable challenges, Barrino has demonstrated remarkable fortitude. Her current estimated net worth of $500,000, while a fraction of her past peak, is contextualized by a conscious and proactive shift in her financial strategy. She has embraced increased financial literacy and embarked on entrepreneurial diversification with ventures such as Addie’s Place LLC, a wine brand, and Rock Soul Productions. These endeavors are not merely new income streams; they represent a fundamental pivot towards building scalable, asset-based wealth and regaining autonomy over her financial future.
The success of The Color Purple (2023), while contributing modestly to her immediate direct earnings, has provided an invaluable boost to her career capital, enhancing her visibility, critical acclaim, and long-term earning potential. Her personal story of overcoming adversity, deeply intertwined with her artistic expressions, has become a powerful element of her brand, further amplifying her marketability and the appeal of her new ventures.
Fantasia Barrino’s journey stands as an illustrative example for other artists and individuals navigating similar challenges. It underscores the critical importance of financial education, personal agency, and entrepreneurial diversification for achieving long-term stability and building a meaningful legacy that transcends immediate fame or earnings. Her dedication to building a lasting legacy through both her artistic contributions and her burgeoning entrepreneurial endeavors showcases her as an inspiring figure who has transformed adversity into a blueprint for future success and enduring influence.
Works cited
- 4. Fantasia Barrino ($4 million) – 2011-07-21 – The 10 Top-Earning American Idols – Forbes, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eeel45ekei/4-fantasia-barrino-4-million/
- Fantasia Barrino: Biography, Movies, Net Worth & Photos – Screendollars, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://screendollars.com/celebrity/fantasia-barrino/
- Fantasia’s Net Worth Is A Testament To Her Strength And Resilience – AfroTech, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://afrotech.com/fantasias-net-worth
- Fantasia – North Carolina Music Educators Association, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.ncmea.net/fantasia-2/
- Fantasia Barrino’s journey from American Idol to the silver screen – YouTube, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wJWfACH_dw
- What Is Singer and Actor Fantasia Barrino’s Net Worth? – Market Realist, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://marketrealist.com/what-is-singer-and-actor-fantasia-barrinos-net-worth-in-2023/
- Fantasia Barrino Was Once Served For Owing $1M In Taxes — ‘They Said My House Was Going To Be Put Up For Auction’ – AfroTech, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://afrotech.com/fantasia-barrino-was-served-taxes
- Fantasia’s $5 Million Net Worth Is Proof to Stay Persistent – Blavity, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://blavity.com/fantasia-net-worth
- Fantasia Barrino, Anthony Hamilton headlining show in Macon | How to get tickets | 13wmaz.com, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/macon/fantasia-barrino-anthony-hamilton-headlining-show-macon-coliseum/93-1739f8a4-72b0-46d4-ae41-bd917238e1da
- Fantasia Launches New Swimwear Line To Honor Late … – BET, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.bet.com/article/yre6ww/fantasia-launches-new-swimwear-line-to-honor-late-grandmother
- Fantasia Barrino Says She ‘Lost Everything’ After Winning ‘American Idol’— ‘I Didn’t Know Anything About Checking Your Money’ – AfroTech, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://afrotech.com/fantasia-barrino-says-she-lost-everything-after-winning-american-idol
- Fantasia Makes A Splash With A New Swimwear Line, ‘Addies Place’ In Honor Of Her Late Grandmother – Black Enterprise, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.blackenterprise.com/fantasia-swimwear-line-addies-place/
- Fantasia Is Launching Her Own Wine Brand—Is Now A Certified …, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/fantasia-wine-brand/
- Fantasia Barrino Introduces Her Latest Venture, A Wine Brand – The Black Wall Street Times, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://theblackwallsttimes.com/2024/02/06/fantasia-barrino-wine-brand/
- Fantasia just announced the launch of her own Entertainment Company Rock Soul Productions – YouTube, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6H4ty1LvUPI
- The Cast Of The Color Purple (And All Black Women In Hollywood) Deserves Better, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2023/12/11629556/the-color-purple-2023-movie-taraji-p-henson-pay-gap
- Oprah Winfrey was only paid $35,000 for role in The Color Purple – Pearl & Dean Cinemas, accessed on August 12, 2025, https://www.pearlanddean.com/oprah-winfrey-was-only-paid-35000-for-role-in-the-color-purple/