Reports hinted that he faced misuse and mistreatment, entangled with older mentors who allegedly exploited him. Among these mentors, filmmaker Lee Daniels is notably mentioned.
Gray, also familiar by his stage name Yazz The Greatest, once had a promising career. But, his trajectory shifted after his association with Daniels and actor Will Smith. Rumors swirled about Gray’s involvement with Smith, leading to a downward spiral that included legal concerns and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
This association, particularly with Smith—who is officially open about his and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s unconventional connection—looked like to exacerbate Gray’s struggles.
Gray isn’t alone in his criticism of Daniels. Actress and comedian Mo’Nique has also been vocal about her conflicts with Daniels and the Hollywood industry at large. Mo’Nique’s fallout with Daniels dates back to her refusal to promote “Precious” without additional compensation, leading to her being labeled difficult and blacklisted.
In spite of a 13-year estrangement, a reconciliation between Mo’Nique and Daniels eventually occurred, highlighting her journey of forgiveness.
Daniels’ directorial methods have also faced scrutiny. During the production of “Precious,” Daniels reportedly replaced an whole crew due to their disrespectful attitude. He assered this drastic action was necessary to align the movie’s vision, which ultimately paid off as “Precious” grossed $64 million against a $10 million budget.
Furthermore, Daniels’ tried to create a comedy inspired by the Me Too movement with comedian Whitney Cummings drew significant backlash. Tarana Burke, the movement’s founder, discover the idea deeply offensive, arguing that the gravity of the issue was not suitable for comedic treatment. This controversy underscored the ongoing struggle for diverse and sensitive representation in media.
