Keke Palmer Recalls Confrontation with Ryan Murphy on Scream Queens Set

Keke Palmer recently shared memories of being reprimanded by Ryan Murphy on the Scream Queens set. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she discussed her upcoming memoir, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative. This memoir launches on Tuesday, November 19.

Palmer, who portrayed Zayday Williams on Scream Queens from 2015 to 2016, detailed a scheduling conflict that led to her not showing up to work. Murphy, the co-creator of the show, expressed his displeasure upon learning about her absence. "It was kind of like I was in the dean’s office," she explained. Murphy confronted her, stating, "I’ve never seen you behave like this. I can’t believe that you, out of all people, would do something like this."

Palmer clarified that she originally planned to be off on the day she missed. However, changes in production scheduling prompted her to uphold a prior commitment instead of adjusting for the new shooting date. She thought their disagreement was resolved until an unnamed cast member suggested otherwise.

"Ryan talked to me, and I guess he's cool. It’s fine," Palmer relayed, only to be corrected with "It’s bad." She felt her co-star was trying to make her anxious, which frustrated her.

Palmer understood Murphy’s responsibility to keep operations running smoothly. In her memoir, she expressed a desire for him to view her as a professional. Despite aiming for harmony, not everything was peaceful on set.

Palmer recounted an event involving a white co-star referred to as "Brenda." During filming, an argument broke out, and Palmer tried to mediate by suggesting respect and having fun. Brenda allegedly responded harshly: "Keke, literally, just don’t. Who do you think you are? Martin f------ Luther King?"

In her book, she elaborated that Brenda's comment carried significant weight. However, she resolved not to let it affect her identity: "I know who I am. I’m not no victim. That’s not my storyline, sweetie." Palmer emphasized resilience, asserting that allowing Brenda’s words to discourage her would grant undue power to negativity.