Lee Daniels Reflects on His 25-Year Friendship with Mo’Nique

In a new social media post, director Lee Daniels shared a heartwarming photo of himself and actress Mo’Nique out to dinner, captioned “At dinner here on our first press day for The Deliverance…”. The post marked the first time the two had spoken in 13 years, and Daniels took the opportunity to reflect on their rollercoaster friendship.

The two first met in 2004 at a Los Angeles restaurant, and their friendship was put to the test with the film Precious, which Mo’Nique refused to promote overseas without additional compensation from Lionsgate. The feud continued for years, with Mo’Nique being allegedly blackballed and labeled difficult.

However, their paths crossed again when Mo’Nique worked on the film The Reading, which led to their reconciliation. Daniels revealed that he reached out to Mo’Nique not only to apologize but also to offer her a role in their upcoming collaborative effort, The Deliverance.

The drama film, inspired by a true story, follows a genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power. Alongside Mo’Nique, the movie stars Glenn Close, Andra Day, Caleb McLaughlin, Tasha Smith, Omar Epps, Demi Singleton, and Miss Lawrence. The Deliverance will hit Netflix on August 30.

Watch the trailer above and check out Lee Daniels’ post reflecting on his friendship with Mo’Nique below.