02/06/2026
It's
Did You Know?
For her Oscar- and Golden-Globe-winning role as an abusive mother in "Precious," comedian Mo'Nique drew on her childhood experience as a victim of sexual abuse.
In 2008, Mo'Nique revealed that she had been sexually abused by an older brother when she was just 7 years old. The comedian told Essence magazine that while growing up in Baltimore, her brother molested her four times over four years, once using candy to lure her into a bathroom.
"My brother was a monster to me," she told Essence. "I became my brother" when "Precious" director Lee Daniels would say, "Action."
Despite her apprehension about going public, Mo'Nique told Essence, "It's my obligation to let people know, and to tell women to watch their children."
During her Golden Globe acceptance speech, she dedicated her award to victims of abuse. "I celebrate this award with all the Preciouses, with all the Marys -- I celebrate this award with every person that's ever been touched. It's now time to tell. And it's OK," she said.