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BV: You are a hot discussion topic on the Black Voices message boards. On one board, in reference to your “Skinny Women Are Evil” bit, a user posted: “You can’t really ask people to not speak negatively against bigger women, when you’re speaking negatively against another group of women in the process.” Are people misinterpreting what you are saying?

M: Here’s what’s funny. People know exactly what I’m saying. Because at the end of the day I’m saying ‘Love the skin you’re in.’ I don’t care if you’re a size 2, 22 or 52. ‘Skinny Women are Evil’ is a joke! My mother is 5’2” and no more than 100 pounds. It was a joke and an incredible marketing tool. It made big women say, ‘Yes, ‘bout time!’ And it made skinny girls say, ‘What the hell is Mo’Nique talking about?’ For women to think for a second that I dislike smaller women -- baby I love everybody. I’m just willing to be a cheerleader for my fat girls.

BV: Can you talk a little about the title for your upcoming cookbook ‘Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted?’

M: [Skinny cooks] don’t sample nothing! They just cook it and serve it! I’m really excited about this cookbook, because this cookbook takes us back to a real Sunday dinner. Everything now is low carb, no carb, tofu, no food. That’s the stuff that’s nasty!

BV: What is the proper balance between self-love and health?

M: I exercise almost every day. I enjoy food, so I eat what I want. Do I eat a whole pig at midnight? Of course not! But do I like pigs feet every Christmas holiday? Yes. Do I feel guilty when I eat a piece of chocolate cake? No. Let me go walking and make sure the blood is pumping right. Let me go out here and play basketball for a little while with my son. Just make sure you’re taking care of your body.

BV: Aside from the show, you've been very busy recently, including work in the upcoming film ‘Shadowboxer’ with Cuba Gooding Jr. This seems like a gritty role!

M: I think Lee Daniels is brilliant. He was able to take me places that I didn’t know I could go. When Cuba first walked on the set, all I could think was, ‘That’s Trey from ‘Boyz N The Hood’ Oh my god!’ Cuba was just beautiful.

BV: Do you and Countess Vaughan stay in touch? Were you rooting for her when she was on 'Celebrity Fit Club'?

M: I have not spoken to Countess in a couple of years. I was routing for her, because I think that she needed it at the time.

BV: You performed the 'Crazy In Love' dance at the BET Awards in 2004 and the “Big Girl Dancers” rocked the opener of 'Mo’Nique’s FAT Chance.' Are you going to take that revue on the road? Is a work out video far behind?

M: I actually have a workout video coming out in January, ‘Mo’Nique’s Voluptuous Workout.’ It’s the real woman’s workout.

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