Taraji P. Henson has always been known for standing up for herself—and she isn’t holding back when it comes to revealing her past issues with fellow actress Nia Long.

In a surprising twist, Taraji has opened up about a behind-the-scenes feud with Nia that nearly turned physical—and the reasons behind the tension might leave you speechless.

This all comes in the wake of Nia Long publicly supporting Taraji during her recent calls for equal pay and fair treatment in Hollywood. But instead of embracing the support, Taraji made it clear she wasn’t interested in any fake love, especially not from someone who, according to her, made her time on the hit show Empire a nightmare.

Let’s take it back to season three of Empire. Nia Long had been cast as Juliana, Lucious Lyon’s cold-blooded ex and a powerful queenpin. What was supposed to be a juicy guest role quickly spiraled into off-camera chaos. Nia, who had previously been Hollywood’s “It Girl” in the ‘90s and early 2000s, reportedly came on set with a chip on her shoulder. Rumors say she believed she should’ve had the kind of success and recognition Taraji was finally receiving—and she didn’t hide her attitude.

From the jump, Nia was reportedly late to set, disrespectful to the crew, and difficult in the makeup chair. It got so bad, the hair and makeup department filed an official complaint against her—the only time they ever did so in the show’s entire run. Considering the number of high-profile guests Empire had over the years, including Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, and Naomi Campbell, that says a lot.

The tension between Taraji and Nia escalated when Nia allegedly refused to shoot scenes with her after a heated exchange. It’s said that Taraji tried to lighten the mood during one of Nia’s outbursts by asking if she was on her period. Whether meant in jest or not, it only added fuel to the fire. Nia was furious, and Taraji wasn’t backing down either.

To make things even more intense, Taraji reportedly reminded Nia that she was the star of the show—while Nia was number two on the call sheet. For a woman who’d once been Hollywood’s go-to girl, that was apparently a bitter pill to swallow. Nia reportedly refused to shoot scenes with Taraji after that and demanded separate setups.

Although the producers managed to get through filming the season, it was clear Nia wouldn’t be returning. Then, she reportedly threatened to sue the production for not giving her the “proper goodbye” written into her contract, as she was never given a formal on-set sendoff.

After all this drama, Taraji’s refusal to accept Nia’s public support years later makes perfect sense. While Nia has often painted herself as confident and misunderstood, crew members and co-stars have described her behavior as diva-like and entitled. From past friction with other Black actresses, including calling out Halle Berry and Queen Latifah, to alleged jealousy over roles going to younger talent like Zoe Saldana, Nia has a history of clashing with her peers.

Despite Nia brushing off the rumors about being difficult as untrue, many insiders say the stories are consistent across multiple sets and years. Even fans have taken sides—with many supporting Taraji, praising her professionalism and how she’s always advocated for fairness in Hollywood, not just for herself, but for those around her.

So while Nia Long might try to bury the past with public praise and support, Taraji isn’t having it. She’s letting everyone know exactly where she stands—and why.

What do you think? Was Nia Long truly out of line on Empire? Or is Taraji holding onto an old grudge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.