Fantasia Opens Up About Financial Struggles

by Stacy Jackson

December 30, 2023

“The Color Purple” star said she was “very, very green” and new nothing about contracts or managing her money.

“The Color Purple” star Fantasia Barrino-Taylor recently opened up about the financial struggles she experienced following her rise to fame.

“I lost everything,” the Grammy winner told People in an interview. The 39-year-old, who first gained stardom when she won Season 3 of “American Idol” in 2004, shared that her pockets did not match up to the level of fame she reached.

The star attributed her struggle to being “very, very green” as she was learning to maneuver through the industry and adapting to being in the Hollywood limelight. “You have to become a businesswoman and you link up with great business partners, but it doesn’t have a lot to do with love. It took me a long time to figure that out,” she admitted.

The mother of three said she knew nothing about contracts or how to manage her money to make sure she was getting what she was owed. “I just trusted and believed everybody that came into my life,” she said.

As she recounted her life struggles, she compared them to the role she plays as Celie in “The Color Purple.”

“Celie and I have a lot in common when it comes to family situations, losing things and feeling ugly and unseen,” the actress said. In 2010, Barrino-Taylor survived an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid. Four years prior, the star was hit with a lawsuit from her father over his portrayal in her memoir “Life is Not a Fairy Tale.”

Despite life’s challenges, the “Lose to Win” singer said she feels like “God’s promises” are “coming to power.” She referenced “Job” as one her favorite books from “The Bible,” which tells the story of a man who lost everything. The singer seems to be reaping her harvest these days. Barrino-Taylor joined “The Color Purple” cast on Broadway three years following her “American Idol” win. The role, which landed her a Golden Globe nomination, led to her casting in the new film adaptation of the Broadway musical. As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the singer who proclaimed she is now “ready for Hollywood,” has also earned her sommelier certification to begin her career in the wine industry.

“The Color Purple” earned the title of being the second highest-earning film on its Dec. 25 release day.

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