Marlon Wayans, a seasoned figure in Hollywood, recently revealed shocking details about how Harvey Weinstein, one of the industry’s most infamous producers, exploited black artists, including the Wayans family, robbing them of over $1 billion.

While Weinstein is widely known for his legal troubles and the numerous accusations against him, Marlon shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of Weinstein’s misconduct: his financial exploitation of black creators.

The success of the “Scary Movie” franchise, which was launched in 2000 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, is a testament to the comedic genius of the Wayans family. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and starring Marlon and Shawn Wayans, the film brought a fresh and hilarious take on the horror genre, and its popularity was undeniable. However, despite the film’s massive success, the Wayans family did not receive the financial compensation they deserved.

In a recent interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, Marlon Wayans revealed that the initial deal the family made with Miramax, a company co-owned by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, was far from fair. Despite the billions of dollars the “Scary Movie” franchise ultimately generated, the Wayans family was locked into a deal that severely undervalued their contributions and limited their profits. Marlon expressed his frustration, explaining that black artists often face such exploitation when they dare to ask for their rightful earnings.

The relationship between the Wayans family and Miramax soured further after the success of the first “Scary Movie.” Although the brothers secured a slightly better deal for the second installment in 2001, the partnership could not withstand the ongoing injustices. For “Scary Movie 3,” Miramax replaced the Wayans family with the Zucker Brothers, allegedly using ideas the Wayans had shared during their pitch, without their knowledge or consent.

Marlon Wayans emphasized the importance of their family’s unique comedic style, which had been cultivated over generations. He argued that the essence of “Scary Movie” was intrinsically linked to the Wayans’ brand of humor, making it impossible to replicate without them. Despite this, Miramax moved forward without the Wayans for subsequent films, a decision that Marlon views as both a betrayal and a significant loss for the franchise.

When asked if the family had considered legal action against Miramax at the time, Marlon explained that they chose to move on instead. They continued to create successful films like “White Chicks” and “Little Man,” building their legacy without looking back. However, Marlon acknowledged that justice eventually caught up with Weinstein, as he now serves a 16-year prison sentence for multiple sexual assault convictions.

Marlon also touched on the irony of the situation, noting that while Weinstein’s company continued to prosper for a time, it eventually crumbled under the weight of its founder’s crimes. The Wayans family, on the other hand, has continued to thrive, their creative talents undiminished.

In reflecting on the experience, Marlon reiterated the importance of integrity and the belief that justice, whether through legal means or divine intervention, will always prevail. The Wayans family may have been wronged, but their resilience and continued success stand as a powerful testament to their enduring influence in Hollywood.