Mo'Nique Opens up about Time When Fame Was More Important to Her Than Oldest Son Shalon

Mo’Nique got candid about the time she chose fame over being a mother and a wife, and what it cost her years later.

Ever since she was a little girl, Mo’Nique knew what she wanted from the entertainment industry -- fame and glamour. Growing up, she focused on achieving that, even if it meant sacrificing other things.

During her interview on “The David Banner Podcast,” Mo’Nique shared a glimpse of her past, including a time where she prioritized being famous over being a mother to her son.

Mo’Nique chose to go on a vacation with her family over attending the Cannes Film Festival and even shared a glimpse of their seaside trip on social media.

MO’NIQUE’S REVELATION

The Oscar Award-winning actress is known for her transparency and outspokenness, and her interview with David Banner showed precisely that.

In the early years of her career, Mo’Nique put her fame before her eldest son, Shalon Jackson, which later she realized was a mistake. She shared:

“There was a time that when he was a little boy, I wasn’t interested in being a mother. I was interested in being a star and I was interested in being famous. I was interested in taking pictures and red carpets.”

However, the actress’ decision was something she had to pay for years later when her son grew older. She continued to share:

“There’s a price you have to pay for that. I had to apologize to my son because I said to him, ‘I don’t want you to think that your story is not valid because I didn’t tuck you in, I didn’t read you those stories.”

A GOOD PARENT

Mo’Nique’s definition of a good mother then was providing for her family and giving her son everything so he can’t complain about anything else as she kept herself buried in work.

Her story projects a reality many women face on the road to becoming successful but fail at balancing their family and career.

It wasn’t until years later that she focused on her children, Shalon, who was then 19, and Jonathan and David, who were both four years old.

At that time, she would put her little twin boys to bed. If not, her husband would take on the role as she traveled for work.

FAMILY OVER ALL ELSE

Last year, the Academy Award-winning actress proved that she changed her priorities with her family being on top.

Mo’Nique chose to go on a vacation with her family over attending the Cannes Film Festival and even shared a glimpse of their seaside trip on social media.

She called the trip a “Familymoon” as she smiled with her family on a boat trip in the middle of the ocean. Mo’Nique, who was once an open marriage advocate, is now a dedicated wife to her husband.

Not only has she become a role model mother, but also a successful actress and comedian, known in Hollywood.