Catt said that while negotiating a contract renewal, she learned that her 'similarly situated male co-host' was 'making close to double my salary for the past several years.'
- Dec 21, 2017
AceShowbiz - Longtime E! News host Catt Sadler announced her departure from the show on Tuesday, December 19. She cited "a massive disparity in pay" as the reason why she decided to leave the network after working as one of its best-known personalities for over a decade.
Writing on her website, Catt said that while negotiating a contract renewal, she learned that there had been "a massive disparity in pay between my similarly situated male co-host and myself." She continued writing, "I learned that he wasn't just making a little more than I was. In fact, he was making close to double my salary for the past several years."
Why I left @e_entertainment... in my own words. https://t.co/mqN3w46MYk
— catt sadler (@IAmCattSadler) December 20, 2017
Catt didn't drop a name to which she referred as her "similarly situated male co-host," but it was assumed that she was talking about co-host Jason Kennedy.
Following the news of her exit, several A-listers showed support for Catt's brave decision. Among them were Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain, who are known for being outspoken about the gender pay gap in the industry.
Jessica took to her Twitter account to rally behind Catt. "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," the "Interstellar" actress wrote.
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
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) December 20, 2017
Meanwhile, Jennifer wrote on her Facebook page, "Thank you Catt for sharing your story," while attaching a link to Catt's website.
Olivia Munn was also among those who were both upset over the pay gap and showed support for Catt. "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?" she tweeted.
Catt replied to the "X-Men: Apocalypse" star's tweet, saying, "Our actions must be in alignment with our beliefs. As painful as it was to leave, I have been empowered by so many other courageous women. It made doing the right thing my only choice."
Our actions must be in alignment with our beliefs. As painful as it was to leave, I have been empowered by so many other courageous women. It made doing the right thing my only choice.
— catt sadler (@IAmCattSadler) December 20, 2017
The former E! News co-host thanked Jennifer for her support. Taking on Facebook, Catt said, "My courage comes from women like Jennifer Lawrence who use their voices regardless of what is at stake. Thank you to my hero Jen for sharing my story during this important time. Your support means the world. Thank you to ALL of you for recognizing the struggle so many women are still enduring today in the workplace. #KnowYourWorth"
She also expressed her gratitude to Jessica. "Your support is comforting and appreciated, Jessica. Thank you, sincerely. Xx," she wrote to the "Zero Dark Thirty" actress.
Your support is comforting and appreciated, Jessica. Thank you, sincerely. xx
— catt sadler (@IAmCattSadler) December 20, 2017
In response to Catt's exit, E! said in a statement, "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."
