I Loved Shug And Celie's Romantic Relationship In 2023's The Color Purple, And The Author Of The Book Explained Why She Did Too

Taraji P. Henson as Shug holding a dress up in front of Fantasia Barrino's Celie.

In The Color Purple, Shug is Celie’s best friend, confidant and lover. However, that last aspect of their relationship is only briefly shown in the 1985 adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel. However, in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple on the 2023 movie schedule, the romantic relationship between these two women is clearly shown, and I loved it. And guess what? So did the author of the book, and she explained why.  

What Happens Between Shug And Celie In 2023’s The Color Purple