African-American Actresses Who Are Hard To Work With

The entertainment industry often highlights the talents of performers while reports of behind the scenes friction occasionally surface in the press. Professional reputations in Hollywood are built on a combination of talent and the ability to collaborate effectively with production teams and fellow actors. Some actresses have faced recurring claims regarding demanding riders or interpersonal conflicts that make filming environments challenging. This list examines several high profile figures who have been the subject of reports concerning their difficult work habits or public disputes with colleagues. These accounts often stem from specific incidents on television sets or major film productions that have become part of their public personas.

Mo’Nique

The Academy Award winner faced significant industry backlash following her appearance in ‘Precious’ due to her refusal to participate in uncompensated promotional tours. Director Lee Daniels publicly stated that she had been blackballed for her demanding nature during the awards season. She has since been vocal about her experiences with major studios regarding pay equity and respect on set. These disputes led to several long term professional rifts with influential figures in Hollywood. Her reputation for being difficult often stems from her uncompromising stance on business negotiations and personal boundaries.

Tyra Banks

The creator of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ has been the subject of numerous reports regarding a strict and sometimes intimidating management style. Former contestants and judges have occasionally spoken out about the intense environment she maintained during production. Reports often mention her high expectations and a perceived lack of personal connection with those working under her. While she is credited with building a massive media empire her perfectionism has been described as challenging by some former collaborators. These stories have contributed to her image as a formidable and sometimes difficult executive producer.

Nicki Minaj

While primarily known as a musician the rapper has appeared in films like ‘The Other Woman’ and ‘Barbershop The Next Generation’ where reports of diva behavior surfaced. Her time as a judge on ‘American Idol’ was famously marked by a very public and heated feud with fellow judge Mariah Carey. Production sources often cited her late arrivals and specific entourage requirements as points of contention for the crew. These incidents created a narrative that she can be a high maintenance presence on a professional set. Her strong personality often leads to direct confrontations when she feels her creative vision or status is not being respected.

Kenya Moore

The star of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ has a long standing reputation for creating conflict on and off the camera. She has been involved in multiple physical and verbal altercations with cast members that have made production difficult for the crew. Producers have reportedly found her demands for specific storylines and her antagonistic approach to costars hard to manage. Her background as a Miss USA winner and actress in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ has not shielded her from criticism regarding her professional conduct. Many of her peers have expressed that she is one of the most polarizing figures to work with in reality television.

Nene Leakes

As a breakout star of reality television she eventually moved into scripted roles in shows like ‘Glee’ and ‘The New Normal’ while maintaining a reputation for being difficult. Reports from various sets have suggested that she often clashed with producers over her salary and her prominence in the series. Her departure from several projects was accompanied by public statements criticizing the leadership and environment provided by the networks. Crew members have occasionally shared stories about her temper and the challenges of accommodating her changing demands. She has frequently been at the center of casting drama due to her outspoken and assertive nature.

Stacey Dash

The ‘Clueless’ actress has become known for her controversial political stances which reportedly caused significant friction on various sets and talk shows. During her time as a contributor at Fox News she was involved in several disputes that led to her eventual departure. Colleagues have described her as having a rigid personality that makes collaboration and differing viewpoints difficult to manage. Her behavior on the set of ‘The Game’ was also rumored to be a source of tension among the regular cast and crew. This combination of personal beliefs and interpersonal style has contributed to her reputation as a challenging professional.

Lisa Bonet

The actress who rose to fame on ‘The Cosby Show’ was famously written out of the spin off ‘A Different World’ due to creative differences and personal choices. Reports at the time suggested that her relationship with producers was strained by her desire to move away from her clean cut image. She has often been described as having an eccentric and reclusive work style that does not always align with traditional Hollywood expectations. While highly respected for her talent she is known for being extremely selective and sometimes difficult to pin down for projects. Her commitment to her personal lifestyle often takes precedence over the standard demands of a film set.

Lauryn Hill

The singer and actress known for ‘Sister Act 2 Back in the Habit’ has a legendary reputation for being late to performances and professional engagements. Her behavior during recording sessions and film sets has been described by collaborators as unpredictable and demanding. She often requires a specific atmosphere and set of conditions that can delay production schedules for hours or even days. Those who have worked with her frequently mention her brilliance alongside the extreme difficulty of managing her schedule and expectations. This has resulted in a decreased number of professional opportunities in the film and television industry.

Tami Roman

Known for her roles in ‘The Real World’ and ‘Basketball Wives’ she has often been at the center of high drama and physical confrontations. Her assertive personality and willingness to engage in conflict have made her a polarizing figure for production teams. Reports suggest that she can be very demanding regarding her screen time and how she is portrayed in the final edit. While she has successfully transitioned into more scripted acting work her reputation for being a firebrand remains. Producers must often navigate her strong opinions and volatile reactions during the filming process.

Porsha Williams

The ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star has faced several reports of physical altercations with cast members during the filming of the series. These incidents have forced production to implement strict security measures and have occasionally led to her temporary suspension. Crew members have noted that her personal life often spills over into her work in ways that are hard to manage and disruptive. Her demands for special treatment and her involvement in various legal disputes have also complicated her professional relationships. While she remains a fan favorite her history of volatility makes her a challenging talent for networks.

Phaedra Parks

During her time on reality television she was involved in a major controversy involving false allegations against a costar that led to her firing. This incident solidified her reputation as someone who could be dangerous and difficult to trust in a professional capacity. Producers were reportedly blindsided by the depth of the deception and the legal risks it posed to the production. Beyond this specific event she was often described as being calculated and difficult to read during filming. Her professional standing has struggled to recover from the reports of her conduct behind the scenes.

Mariah Carey

The legendary singer and actress in ‘Precious’ and ‘The Butler’ is well known for her extensive list of diva demands and riders. She famously requires specific lighting and room temperatures as well as a large entourage to be present at all times. Production sources on various sets have shared stories about her refusing to move or work until every specific condition is met. While her talent is undeniable the logistical challenges of hosting her on a set are significant and costly. This has led to a general consensus that she is one of the most high maintenance stars in the industry.

Naomi Campbell

The iconic supermodel and actress in ‘Empire’ has a long history of reported outbursts and physical altercations with staff and colleagues. Her reputation for being difficult is well documented in both the fashion and film worlds due to her quick temper. She has faced legal consequences for her behavior toward employees which has further cemented her status as a challenging person to work with. On professional sets she is known for her late arrivals and her expectation of absolute perfection from everyone around her. Despite her longevity she remains a figure that many producers approach with caution.

Vivica A. Fox

The ‘Set It Off’ star has been involved in several public feuds with costars and fellow celebrities that have colored her professional reputation. She is known for being extremely outspoken and has occasionally clashed with directors over the direction of her characters. Reports from the sets of various independent films suggest that she can be very demanding of the crew and her fellow actors. Her long career has been marked by both significant success and a series of high profile disagreements. These incidents have contributed to a narrative that she can be a formidable and sometimes difficult presence to manage.

Star Jones

The original cohost of ‘The View’ had a famously tense departure from the show that revealed deep rifts with her fellow presenters. Reports indicated that her ego and her demands for specific coverage of her personal life made the work environment uncomfortable. Barbara Walters later spoke publicly about the difficulties of working with her and the impact it had on the show’s chemistry. She has been described as having a legalistic and rigid approach to her contracts that can frustrate producers. Her professional image has frequently been associated with a sense of self importance that makes collaboration difficult.

Azealia Banks

While primarily a musician she has attempted to transition into acting with roles in films like ‘Love Beats Rhymes’ but her reputation often precedes her. She is notorious for her social media outbursts and personal attacks on fellow artists and collaborators. On set reports have indicated that her behavior can be erratic and difficult for directors to control. Her history of being banned from platforms and losing professional deals due to her conduct makes her a risky hire for many studios. Many in the industry view her as a liability despite her clear artistic potential.

Tamar Braxton

The singer and reality star has a reputation for being a high energy and often demanding talent on shows like ‘Braxton Family Values’. Her departure from the talk show ‘The Real’ was surrounded by rumors of conflict with her cohosts and production staff. Reports suggested that her personality was too big for the ensemble format and that she often sought the center of attention. She has been open about her struggles with professional relationships but the reports of her being difficult persist. Her vocal and sometimes abrasive style can be a challenge for those trying to maintain a balanced production environment.

Brandy Norwood

The star of ‘Moesha’ and ‘Cinderella’ has faced reports of tension on sets particularly involving her relationship with costars. Her long standing feud with singer Monica was a major talking point for years and reportedly affected their shared professional engagements. During her time on ‘The Game’ there were rumors that her presence caused friction among the established cast members. She has been described as being very focused on her image to the point of being difficult for directors to guide. While she is a beloved figure her career has seen several instances where interpersonal drama overshadowed her work.

Countess Vaughn

The ‘The Parkers’ actress has been involved in several public disputes with her former costar Mo’Nique which highlighted their difficult working relationship. She has been open about the insecurities and professional jealousies that sometimes made the set of their hit show tense. Reports from reality television appearances have also suggested that she can be sensitive and difficult to communicate with during production. Her struggles with personal issues have occasionally impacted her ability to remain consistent on professional projects. This history has led to a perception that she requires a high level of patience from her collaborators.

Robin Givens

During the height of her fame in the late eighties and early nineties she was often the subject of tabloid reports regarding her behavior on set. Her high profile and tumultuous marriage to Mike Tyson often brought a level of drama that disrupted her professional life. Reports from ‘Head of the Class’ suggested that there was significant tension between her and the rest of the cast. Some directors have described her as having a diva like attitude that made it hard to give her notes or direction. While she has continued to work steadily her early reputation for being difficult has lingered in the industry.

Lark Voorhies

The ‘Saved by the Bell’ star has faced many challenges in her adult career that have made her participation in projects difficult for producers. Reports of her behavior during interviews and attempted reunions have often been characterized as confusing or unpredictable. Her absence from several high profile projects involving her former cast members sparked many rumors about her ability to work in a traditional set environment. While much of this has been attributed to personal health struggles it has nonetheless made her a difficult talent to cast. Producers often worry about the stability and reliability she can bring to a long term production.

Maia Campbell

Once a rising star on ‘In the House’ her career was derailed by personal issues that made her extremely difficult to work with for years. Production sources have shared stories of her being unable to fulfill her professional obligations due to these ongoing struggles. Her public appearances during her most difficult years often showcased a person who was not in a position to handle the rigors of a film set. While there have been efforts to help her return to the industry her reputation for unpredictability remains a significant hurdle. She serves as a tragic example of how personal health can impact professional reliability.

Whoopi Goldberg

The EGOT winner and moderator of ‘The View’ is known for her strong opinions and a very direct way of communicating that can be perceived as difficult. There have been numerous reports over the years of behind the scenes clashes with her cohosts and executive producers. She is a powerful figure who often dictates the tone of the room which can be intimidating for newer or less established colleagues. Her refusal to back down during on air arguments has sometimes led to a tense working environment for the entire crew. While she is highly respected her uncompromising nature is a well known aspect of her professional identity.

Jada Pinkett Smith

The actress and host of ‘Red Table Talk’ has been the subject of reports regarding her intense and sometimes controlling nature in professional settings. Her involvement in her family’s various media ventures has led to rumors that she is very particular about how everyone is portrayed. Some former associates have suggested that her expectations for loyalty and adherence to her vision can be difficult to manage. Her public transparency about her personal life has also created a unique set of challenges for those working with her on commercial projects. She is known for being a very smart but also very demanding businesswoman and performer.

Tiffany Pollard

Known as New York from ‘Flavor of Love’ she built a career on being a highly volatile and difficult reality television personality. Her persona is based on conflict and a refusal to cooperate with others which makes her a challenge for any production team. While she is often hired specifically for this energy it can lead to genuine exhaustion for the crew and her fellow cast members. Reports from her various spin off shows indicate that she maintains her demanding persona even when the cameras are not rolling. She is a prime example of a talent whose brand is built on being intentionally difficult.

Joseline Hernandez

The star of ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’ has a reputation for extreme volatility and physical aggression on set. She has been involved in numerous brawls and verbal tirades that have made filming dangerous and unpredictable. Producers have often struggled to keep her focused on the production schedule due to her frequent outbursts and demands. Her behavior eventually led to her departure from the franchise that made her famous amid reports of irreparable professional relationships. She continues to be a controversial figure whose presence on a set is often met with a high level of security.

Jackée Harry

The Emmy winning actress from ‘227’ and ‘Sister Sister’ has been described by some as having a very strong and sometimes overwhelming personality. There have been rumors of onset rivalries particularly during her time on ‘227’ where she was the breakout star. She is known for her specific comedic style and has reportedly been resistant to direction that asks her to deviate from it. Some younger actors have shared that she can be intimidating to work with due to her legendary status and direct manner. While widely admired her confidence can sometimes be perceived as a difficult diva attitude.

Jenifer Lewis

The ‘Black-ish’ star proudly refers to herself as a diva and is known for her loud and commanding presence on any set she joins. She has shared stories herself about her high energy and the demands she makes on production to ensure she is comfortable. While her castmates often speak of her with love they also acknowledge the intense level of energy required to keep up with her. Reports suggest that she can be very vocal when things are not going according to her standards which can be stressful for the crew. Her reputation is one of a demanding but exceptionally talented veteran of the industry.

Leslie Jones

The ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum and ‘Ghostbusters’ star has a very bold personality that has occasionally led to friction with costars and directors. Reports from the set of ‘Ghostbusters’ suggested that her improvisational style and loud energy were sometimes at odds with the planned production. She has also been very public about her dissatisfaction with certain designers and brands which has created some tension in the industry. Her direct and sometimes confrontational social media presence has also made some studios wary of potential PR challenges. She is known for being authentically herself regardless of whether it makes others comfortable.

Gabrielle Union

The actress has gained a reputation for being a difficult collaborator after her highly public and contentious exit from ‘America’s Got Talent’. She raised numerous concerns about a toxic work environment and racial insensitivity which led to a formal investigation. While many praised her for her bravery some industry insiders viewed her as a whistleblower who made things difficult for the network. Reports from other sets have occasionally mentioned her high standards and her willingness to challenge authority figures. This has made her a polarizing figure among studio executives who prefer less vocal performers.

Taraji P. Henson

The ‘Empire’ star has recently become very vocal about the poor treatment and low pay she has experienced throughout her career. While her fans support her she has reportedly ruffled feathers at major studios by calling out specific producers and experiences. These public complaints have led to a perception that she is difficult to negotiate with or satisfy. Reports from the set of ‘The Color Purple’ remake suggested that she fought hard for better conditions for the entire cast which caused some production delays. Her advocacy for herself and others is sometimes labeled as difficult by those in power.

Thandiwe Newton

The ‘Westworld’ and ‘Crash’ actress has been involved in several public disagreements with directors and fellow actors. She famously spoke out about her negative experience working with Tom Cruise on ‘Mission Impossible 2’ describing it as a nightmare. She has also had a very public and strange exit from the ‘Magic Mike’ franchise which led to various reports about her behavior on set. Her willingness to name names and speak candidly about her negative experiences has made some in Hollywood cautious about working with her. She is seen as a highly intelligent performer who does not tolerate what she perceives as unprofessionalism.

Amandla Stenberg

The ‘The Hate U Give’ star has been described as having a very strong and sometimes uncompromising set of beliefs that impact her professional choices. She has been involved in several public call outs of critics and other industry figures who she felt were being insensitive. Some production reports suggest that her focus on social justice and representation can lead to lengthy discussions that slow down the filming process. While her dedication is respected it has also led to her being labeled as a challenging talent for more traditional productions. She is known for being very selective and vocal about the creative direction of her projects.

Janet Jackson

The legendary performer has a reputation for being extremely private and requiring an immense amount of control over her environment. On the sets of films like ‘Poetic Justice’ and ‘For Colored Girls’ she reportedly had very specific requirements for her trailers and personal space. Crew members have noted that she often remains isolated from the rest of the cast and crew which can make communication difficult. Her management team is known for being very protective and making demands that can be hard for smaller productions to meet. While she is professional she maintains a distance that some find challenging to navigate.

Diana Ross

As one of the original divas she has decades of reports regarding her high standards and demanding nature on and off the screen. During the filming of ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ and ‘The Wiz’ she was known for her expectation of star treatment at all times. Stories of her refusing to acknowledge certain staff members or making specific demands for her dressing rooms are common in the industry. She is a figure who commands absolute respect and can be very difficult if she feels her status is being undermined. Her legacy is one of unparalleled talent mixed with a legendary reputation for being a difficult star.

Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul appeared in films like ‘The Blues Brothers’ where her legendary diva status was on full display. She was known for her fear of flying which often caused major logistical headaches and delays for production teams. Her contracts frequently included specific clauses about her pay and her treatment that were non negotiable. On set she was known to be very particular about her lighting and how her voice was captured which could lead to long wait times. Despite the challenges her presence was considered such a win that most productions were willing to accommodate her.

Monique Coleman

The ‘High School Musical’ actress has recently shared her experiences of feeling sidelined and mistreated by the studio during the height of the franchise’s success. Her vocal stance on the lack of resources for African-American performers on those sets has been seen as a challenge to the industry’s status quo. Some reports suggest that her advocacy and her demands for better hair and makeup artists made her labeled as difficult by production. While she was fighting for basic necessities her reputation suffered among executives who wanted a more compliant star. She continues to speak out about the systemic issues that cause actresses to be labeled as difficult.

Vanessa Williams

The ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’ star has a reputation for being a true professional but she is also known for having very firm boundaries. There were reports during her early career and her time as Miss America that she could be very cold or distant to work with. She is known for her poise and a certain level of perfectionism that can be intimidating to less experienced crew members. While she is rarely involved in public scandals her exacting standards for her work and her image are well known. This focus on her professional brand can sometimes be perceived as a lack of warmth or flexibility on set.

Lena Waithe

As an actress and a powerful producer of shows like ‘The Chi’ she has been the subject of several reports regarding a difficult management style. Former writers and collaborators have spoken out about the environment in her writers rooms and on her sets. There have been allegations of a lack of support for certain staff members and a very demanding professional atmosphere. Her quick rise to power has led to a narrative that she can be a challenging boss who expects total dedication to her vision. While she has created many opportunities she has also faced significant criticism from some who have worked under her.

Please share your thoughts on these reports and reputations in the comments.