By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
If I worked at 'Jet' magazine, this would be my 'Photo of the Week.'
That Mo'Nique has done it once again.
Never one to rest on her laurels, the super-sized comedic powerhouse did her latest stand-up special in JAIL.
Fresh off the heels and wrapping the VH1 reality series 'Charm School,' the Maryland reared funnywoman releases her latest comedy DVD, titled 'I Coulda Been Your Cellmate!' this week.
Originally airing on the Showtime network last January, the special was filmed last May at The Ohio Reformatory for Women, marking a first for a modern day black comic.
"Baby, let me tell you something," she protested. "I ain't here to judge you. I don't give a f--- about what happened yesterday. I believe y'all deserve laughter. Y'all still deserve somebody to say, 'I love you bitch.' I love you."
Known as "The Farm," eighty percent of the inmates have a history of severe psychological, physical and sexual abuse. Most of them began abusing substances between the ages of 10 and 14.
Though the prison has a reputation for being one of the toughest in the system, Mo'Nique was able to bring a humane element to it but not only entertaining the prisoners, but also having one-on-one discussions with them. "They still deserve a little bit of laughter, a little bit of joy and a little bit of feel good," Mo'Nique said about the 70-minute show.
It brings to mind Iyanla Vazant during her stint on the now defunct women's mental makeover show 'Starting Over.'
But like Emmy Award winning talk show diva Tyra Banks (who also went to prison while cameras were rolling), she also suited up for the occasion.
Mo'Nique (legally known as Monique Imes) took off her Rocawear gear and suited up in prison uniform-inspired frock before she took the day.
"I love you bitches back," the former 'Showtime at the Apollo' hostess said as she hit the stage and met a rapturous applause from over 850 inmates. "I had my s@#% designed just for y'all. So don't go f@#%ing up your outfits tomorrow," she said about the rhinestone-encrusted, shredded attire.
Bonus features for this uproarious, profanity laden offering includes behind the scenes footage and a warden interview.
Comments: (59)
Add a comment
By: sarkesian roby on 4/03/2007 8:55PM
I THINK MO'NIQUE IS THE MOST FUNNEST WOMAN EVER. SHE IS A BBW FOR REAL. MO'NIQUE YOU ONE SEXY BIG WOMAN. KEEP MAKING ME LAUGH GIRL!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: lealea on 4/03/2007 9:00PM
I think it's great that Mo'nique went to the prison to entertain the women. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. Never judge someone by what they have done but what they are doing now. God Bless Mo'nique. We need more down to earth and realistic stars who really care about other people.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Cecil Jones on 4/04/2007 4:00AM
Big Mo did a great thing here by giving a little love to those behind bars. What scares me about this is "Beer Fest". Was Monique packing any sausage when she said, "I love you" to these B's? That image is just not funny. Somebody must eat the sausage to hide the evidence. That's a big woman and in prison you better laugh. A little laughter is a good thing. I wouldn't write about you if I didn't love ya.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Robbie Rob on 4/04/2007 9:07AM
I love Mo'Nique! How many sista's before her were ever heralded w/the glitz of being a heavy-set, dark-skinned, outspoken rep for women of color? None. She represents so many of us, in terms of beauty. She has made it possible to categorize a celebrity who does not fit into the "stereotypical beauty" as sexy, beautiful and bold. How could you not love that?! Now, don't get it twisted...she's not a role model for the youth. Her language is rather crass and downright vulgar at times. But, she's an adult entertainer...not for children. I appreciate having someone like her who is able to stand up and say, "Hey, I may not the societal, european beauty you're used to eyeballing, but baby, I am all that". Keep doing what you're doing!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Tink-Tink on 4/05/2007 3:59PM
Monique is an inspiration to ALL women. I love her so much. You have not been entertained until you've seen her LIVE!!! MO' is not playin'!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Urban Thought on 4/05/2007 6:35PM
This is the best news I've heard all week. I think its a wonderful idea. Everyone needs a little laughter in their life. And why not Mo'Nique to give it to them.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: marry crawford on 4/05/2007 9:36PM
ALL I GOT TO SAY IS : I LOVE YOU MO' KEEP DOING WHAT YA DO BOO...PEACE
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: rae on 4/06/2007 3:06AM
i just love her she is some buttyful
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Camille on 4/12/2007 12:20PM
Thank you, Thank you Thank you
Yes they do deserve laughter and it certainly can keep depression away
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Linda on 4/06/2007 7:53AM
Hey Mo, girl you are the bomb, and what you did for those women in prison was off the chain, you are R ichard pryor steve hardy chris tucker and chris rockall roll up in one, you are truely the funniest women on or off t.v. you keep doing what you are doing.
Reply to this Comment | Report This