Fans were not happy when Catt Sadler announced she was leaving her “dream job” after finding out about what she called a “massive pay disparity” in her salary and colleague Jason Kennedy’s salary. Now, after being called out by Debra Messing and other actresses at the Golden Globes, an E! executive is defending the network’s decision.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Frances Berwick addressed the issue at a Television Critics Association panel on Tuesday. Berwick, who oversees E! and other lifestyle brands under the NBCUniversal umbrella, told reporters, “There is a lot of misinformation out there. Catt Sadler and Jason Kennedy had different roles and therefore different salaries. Catt was focused on daytime. Jason Kennedy is on prime, evening news, plus red carpet.”
Berwick added, “Our employees’ salaries are based on their roles and their expertise, regardless of gender. So we wish Catt well, but I hope that sets the record straight on that.”
This echoes what the network first said when the situation first came to light: “E! compensates employees fairly and appropriately based on their roles, regardless of gender. We appreciate Catt Sadler’s many contributions at E! News and wish her all the best following her decision to leave the network.”
For her part, Sadler has said she’s thankful for the support that Messing and other actresses showed for her on the red carpet, tweeting, “To the sisterhood of strong women using their voices on my behalf — I’m humbled, grateful, and beyond inspired by your relentless pursuit of what’s fair for ALL women. @amyschumer @DebraMessing @EvaLongoria @SJP @brielarson I salute you, love you, and miss you too. #TimesUp”
To the sisterhood of strong women using their voices on my behalf – I’m humbled, grateful, and beyond inspired by your relentless pursuit of what’s fair for ALL women. @amyschumer@DebraMessing@EvaLongoria@SJP@brielarson
I salute you, love you, and miss you too. #TimesUp— catt sadler (@IAmCattSadler) January 8, 2018
She added, “… AND thank you @jes_chastain @ambertamblyn @_juliannemoore @EllenPompeo and @LauraDern. Your brave voices comfort me and propel this movement forward. #Together #TimesUp #EqualPay ‘A new day is on the horizon!’ Thank You ❤️”
… AND thank you @jes_chastain@ambertamblyn@_juliannemoore@EllenPompeo and @LauraDern. Your brave voices comfort me and propel this movement forward. #Together#TimesUp#EqualPay
“A new day is on the horizon!”
Thank You ❤️— catt sadler (@IAmCattSadler) January 8, 2018
What do you think about E!’s explanation for Catt Sadler’s salary? Let us know @BritandCo.
(Photos via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Fashion Island’s StyleWeekOC Presented By SIMPLY)