Actresses are applauding Catt Sadler's decision to leave E! News after she said her male co-host made twice her salary
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- Catt Sadler was a host for E! News for 12 years, but recently left the network after claiming she discovered a salary gap between her and co-host Jason Kennedy.
- She said that E! wouldn't match his salary while renewing her contract.
- Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and Olivia Munn have spoken out to support Sadler's decision to leave.
- "It's not easy to do what you did and I'm so proud of you for it. How will anyone know you're worth it, if you don't?," Munn tweeted.
Catt Sadler, a long-time host of E! News, received support from actresses Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and Olivia Munn following her decision to leave the network.
After being part of E! News for years, Sadler left after claiming that she discovered co-host Jason Kennedy made about double her salary. Actresses Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, and Olivia Munn have sent their support to Sadler and reminded us that the salary disparity issue is still a major issue in Hollywood.
Taking to her Facebook page, Lawrence applauded Sadler for her decision.
"Thank you Catt for sharing your story," she posted.
Chastain, who has repeatedly been vocal about the gender pay gap and the need for strong female characters in film, also took to social media to support Sadler.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/943437231695515648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
WOW this is so disappointing. When are companies like @e_entertainment going to understand that women should be paid fairly. 1/2 of her male counterpart is not appropriate. https://t.co/n2zrpTK8XE
Munn was also quick to offer support and stress the importance of taking a stand against inequality.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/943363331112558592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Damn, Catt???? It’s so disappointing to find out that @enews- a network that depends on female viewers- felt your value was worth only half of your male counterpart. It’s not easy to do what you did and I’m so proud of you for it. How will anyone know you’re worth it, if you don’t? https://t.co/E4zc9RTER1
Following the initial news, Sadler took to her website to explain her decision to leave the network.
"Know your worth," she wrote. "I have two decades experience in broadcasting and started at the network the very same year as my close friend and colleague that I adore. I so lovingly refer to him as my 'tv husband' and I mean it. But how can I operate with integrity and stay on at E if they're not willing to pay me the same as him? Or at least come close? How can I accept an offer that shows they do not value my contributions and paralleled dedication all these years? How can I not echo the actions of my heroes and stand for what is right no matter what the cost? How can I remain silent when my rights under the law have been violated?"
In recent years, actresses have openly spoken about the gender pay gap and their desire to elicit change. In 2015, Lawrence wrote an essay for Lenny Letter, detailing her own experience in working with male co-stars who receive significantly larger salaries than her.
Despite the controversy, Sadler is optimistic that she will turn her experience into one that can potentially empower others.
"I will find more work," she wrote. "I will create content with meaning. I will continue to pursue my passions while making my children proud. The way I see it, I have an obligation to be an agent for change."
A representative for E! News didn't immediately respond to INSIDER's request for comment.
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