LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique, best known for her powerful performance in 'Precious' recently raised eyebrows with her candid revelations about her loving relationship with her husband, Sidney Hicks.
In a podcast conversation with Je'Niece McCullough, daughter of the late comedian Bernie Mac, the 55-year-old actress opened up about why she affectionately refers to her spouse as "Daddy."
Mo'Nique's personal journey and the role of Sidney Hicks
During the engaging discussion on the podcast Bernie's Daughter, Mo'Nique shared intimate details of her 17-year marriage to Hicks, who also serves as her manager. She explained, "My husband, my best friend, my brother, he's had all these hats."
However, it was her reasoning behind the unconventional nickname that caught the attention of many. Mo'Nique said, "And, a lot of black women would say, 'Why do you call him Daddy?' Because he's raising me. He's raising me."
Mo'Nique delved into her past, revealing, "My father probably stopped giving me what I needed when I was around 13 years old."
It was this gap in her life that her husband, Sidney, filled with unwavering love and guidance. She explained that the term "Daddy" reflects his role in her life, as he played a pivotal part in helping her grow and mature.
Mo'Nique candidly discussed her journey, saying, "So, now you got a woman that's 13, and now I'm 35, and now I got a bunch of money — what we consider to be a bunch of money, let me just be real clear about that — and now I got this money and now, I’m taking care of everybody."
She then asked, "Who gonna check me, boo? Who gonna make me grow up?"
She further stated that when the two got married, after being best friends for long, he told her, "When we were best friends and you were married to other people, you were not my responsibility. You were my sister, but not my responsibility. As my wife, you are my responsibility."
Mo'Nique expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support provided by her husband, noting that he continues to be a guiding force in her life even at the age of 55. Their relationship, she explained, has made her a "better mother," "better friend, and "better entertainer."
She emphasized the enduring strength of their bond by highlighting that she met Sidney when she was just 14 years old and has "never seen him have a bad day" throughout their 17-year marriage.
Internet reactions to Mo'Nique's 'Daddy' nickname for her husband
However, the use of the term "Daddy" by Mo'Nique to refer to her husband sparked a diverse range of opinions among internet users. A user commented on Facebook, "That's weird. Say less Monique."
"Well it is Hollyweird for a reason," stated another. A third user, however, claimed, "Nothing wrong with that." "Get a room lol," mocked a user. "Hollyweird," chimed in yet another person.
As the podcast reached X, formerly Twitter, people had more to say.
One person wrote, "It’s still weird behavior beloved… cut it out." Another simply added a gif with an actor pretending to throw up.
A third person assertively declared, "Disturbing." A fourth trolled her, saying, "I guess wisdom doesn't come with age."
"That's weird," declared a fifth, as a sixth stated, "I want all these celebs to leave us alone cuz at this point it’s harassment."
