The powerful and witty Leslie Jones recently appeared on the latest episode of HotBoxin’ with Mike Tyson. Speaking of the ups and downs that she faced in her career and life, Jones spoke about ‘pay’ doing comedy. While Mike Tyson sat back and listened, the 55-year-old comedian and actress vented her frustration about comedians not getting paid what they deserve for their ‘gigs’.
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According to Leslie Jones, the majority of the clubs failed to acknowledge the time and human labor comedians would put in. Because of this, the output, entertainment, and laughter that followed hardly received the status of a commodity worthy of an exchange value, i.e. money.
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On being asked about what comedians were paid in the early ’90s, Jones said, “I don’t remember pay, really. It depends on where you gigged at, you know what I’m saying. ‘Cause rooms like Maverick’s Flat and Comedy West and all of that, if you was a headliner, you may have been getting some money. But when I was starting off, nah.”
Unlike New York, comedians really did not get paid in L.A. According to Jones, in the clubs of L.A., everyone felt they were famous and that they need not pay for comedians gigging. Here is what she added next on HotBoxin’ with Mike Tyson.
Leslie Jones addresses insecurity and stress in front of Mike Tyson
Jones, who used to be a cast member and writer on Saturday Night Live, detailed what different clubs would pay at the time. According to her statement, Townhouse offered as little as 25 bucks and some approbative drinks. A tradition that she feels is still going on in L.A., not in New York.
“In New York, you get paid. That’s why the atmosphere is different. And I always wanted to say that too about comics out here. The reason ya’ll motherfuc*ers is so insecure and stressed out here is because you’re not fuc*ing getting paid,” she added saying.
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While Tyson listened, she went on. She spoke her words with indignation, compassion, and sincerity. Although New York paid what comedians deserved, L.A. did not.
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With a payment that acknowledged one’s labor, one could do away with insecurity. However, as Jones expressed, that barely happened in places other than New York. Although it has been thirty years since Jones started ‘gigging’, things have not much changed.
What is your view on comedians receiving their due pay? In addition, do you agree with Jone’s words? Share your thoughts in the comments below.