"That's my baby girl, by the way"— Taraji P. Henson extends support and praises Megan Thee Stallion for withstanding adversity

Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson praised Megan Thee Stallion for withstanding adversity. In her Thursday, June 27, 2024, interview with PEOPLE, the 53-year-old expressed her pride for the singer, saying:

"She's amazing. She has been able to withstand all of the adversity and rise above it. She's incredible. I love you Megan, and I'm so proud of you. That's my baby girl, by the way."

Henson is likely referring to Tony Lanez's conviction for shooting the singer, real name Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, in both her feet after a druken roadside argument. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2023.

The Empire star recently attended Pete's Hot Girl Summer Tour show in Los Angeles. She told the publication that this was the first time she had seen the singer perform live.

"I'm like auntie, you know? I'm a girl's girl. Anything women are doing, I'm there. I'm the cheerleader. I'm the loudest one in the front cheering them on, and that's what you should be as an elder," Henson added.

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Taraji P. Henson has been friends with Megan Thee Stallion since she appeared in the latter's music video forBody

Taraji told PEOPLE that it's "hard enough" for women in the industry, and she would rather not be "another obstacle" for them, especially considering she is an established actress. She explained:

"Be here for these babies! You know, it's hard enough out here for women, and what I'm not gonna be is another obstacle for another woman. So, I'm a champion. I'm a team player. I'm a girl's girl. Go Meg. Go Meg. I got you. I love you."

The Person of Interest star has been friends with Pete since she appeared in the music video for the latter's song, Body (2020), along with Blac Chyna, Jordyn Woods, Maliibu Miitch, Asian Da Brat, and Tabria Majors.

Henson is set to host the upcoming 2024 BET Awards, where Megan Thee Stallion's performance will kick off the ceremony. This marks the third time the actress will be hosting the awards. Expressing excitement for the show, she stated

"It’s gonna be an incredible show. It’s culture’s biggest night. The performances are gonna blow us all away. We got Will Smith, guys. I am so excited to see what he has up his sleeve."

The event will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30 and will be aired live on BET.

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Megan The Stallion released her third studio album, Megan, on June 28

Today also marked the release of Megan Thee Stallion's highly anticipated third studio album. The self-titled project was preceded by three singles, Cobra, Hiss, and Boa.

While all three singles were commercial successes, Hiss debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This marked the first time Pete topped the chart solo and the third overall. Megan Thee Stallion is currently on her Hot Girl Summer Tour to promote her upcoming self-titled album.