In a world where rap culture and resilience often go hand in hand, Megan Thee Stallion has stood out not only for her talent but also for her remarkable openness. Her new Prime Video documentary, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, directed by Nneka Onuorah, gives fans and audiences a closer look at the artist’s journey through grief, mental health struggles, and personal growth. The film, which premiered at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, captures the rapper—born Megan Pete—as she opens up about profound losses, including the death of her mother, Holly Thomas, and the challenges she has faced in recent years.
A Story of Strength Through Loss
Megan Thee Stallion lost her mother and manager, Holly Thomas, to cancer in 2019, a loss that marked a turning point in her life. In the documentary, she reflects on how her mother’s resilience and outspoken personality continue to inspire her. Megan shared at the premiere, “I really feel like I drew a lot of strength from my mom. I know my mama was super outspoken and she was super tough, and I feel like once I found my mom’s voice in myself, I was like, ‘Go out there and tell them people exactly who you are.’”
Grieving for her mother while navigating the demands of fame was no easy feat, and Megan’s journey through grief is candidly explored. Beyond the loss of her mother, the documentary highlights the darker times when she grappled with mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts—a topic rarely addressed in the music industry. This raw honesty sheds light on how grief has shaped her life and career.
Confronting Trauma and Healing
The documentary also tackles another painful episode in Megan’s life—the 2020 shooting incident involving rapper Tory Lanez, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the assault. The experience left Megan traumatized, but through therapy, support from loved ones, and a determination to reclaim her story, she found the courage to address it publicly.
While working on the documentary, Megan showed great vulnerability, though the process wasn’t without its difficulties. Director Nneka Onuorah recalls the challenges of gaining Megan’s trust, sharing, “Megan was hesitant at first when we started filming two years ago. Sometimes she didn’t show up to film. One time, we had to hit each other up on the side like at three o’clock in the morning. She was like, ‘Hey, come to the studio.’” Onuorah’s approach, offering both patience and understanding, ultimately helped Megan open up in front of the camera. “I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here to support you as a woman. And I know it’s tough out here, but I really want to see you flourish,” she told Megan.
A Unique Directorial Approach
Onuorah’s dedication to telling Megan’s story extended far beyond a typical director’s role. She often filmed one-on-one with Megan, spending countless hours together and even stepping in as both director and camera operator. This intimate approach allowed Megan to feel more comfortable sharing her story authentically. “Getting Megan to open up means that I had to open up,” Onuorah explained. “I literally opened my soul to her. Typically, I have a crew who I direct to film the artist. But in this case, I told her, ‘I’m gonna stay with you. I’m gonna film your travels and if you’re in your home, in your car, I’ll be there.’”
The mutual trust built between Megan and Onuorah allowed for some of the most genuine and powerful moments in the documentary. At times, Onuorah sensed when Megan needed a push to share deeper feelings and when to offer comfort, reminding her, “Come on, we gotta do this. I’m right here with you.”
A Collaboration of Creative Powerhouses
Presented by Amazon MGM Studios, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words is a collaborative production by TIME Studios and Roc Nation in association with Nneka Productions. Adding to the film’s widespread visibility, Amazon Prime Video and IMAX teamed up to simultaneously premiere the documentary at TCL Chinese Theatre and ten other IMAX theaters across the U.S., underscoring the film’s importance and reach.
Celebrating Resilience
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words is a testament to strength, healing, and self-discovery. Megan’s willingness to address her trauma, grief, and mental health is not only inspiring for her fans but also essential for a broader conversation about emotional wellness in the entertainment industry. Her mother’s voice echoes through her journey, driving her to be “super tough” and unapologetically outspoken. By sharing her struggles, Megan shows that even the strongest among us can face difficult times—and come through stronger on the other side.
