Mo’Nique Values Her Friendship with Lee Daniels and Will Fight for It

Mo’Nique says her friendship with Lee Daniels is worth fighting for. “You ever have somebody in your life where your chemistry is right there, but something happened and it pulls you apart, but you don’t forget the heart of the person?”

The director and actress are back working together on the new horror flick “The Deliverance,” which also stars Andra Day and Glenn Close.

Mo’Nique and Daniels famously fell out during the comedienne’s press run for “Precious,” the Academy-Award winning film executive-produced by Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. Mo’Nique took home the Oscar for best-supporting actress in a drama for the film.

After promoting the film nationwide, the comedienne was asked to promote the project internationally, which was not part of her contract—she declined, sparking a feud that lasted years between her, the producers, and Daniels.

Things came to a head, however, when Daniels gave Mo’Nique a public apology, ending their disagreement. Most recently, Daniels told The Hollywood Reporter, “And that meant forgiveness, that meant apologizing, even if I didn’t understand what I was apologizing for. I had to understand that she was hurt, and that is my sister, and that I love her.”

According to Variety, “The Deliverance,” inspired by true events, tells the story of Ebony (Andra Day), a single bi-racial mother with three children (Anthony B. Jenkins, Caleb McLaughlin, and Demi Singleton) who moves her recovering addict mom Alberta (Glenn Close) into their new house to help take care of the kids. As Ebony faces scrutiny from a social worker (Mo’Nique), the family must also battle a demon that is possessing the kids. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor plays a pastor hoping to rid them of the evil spirit.”

“The Deliverance” is available in theaters today and will be available on Netflix Aug. 30.