An NBC executive has responded to Catt Sadler’s claims of a pay disparity after celebrities including Debra Messing, Jennifer Lawrence, and Eva Longoria publicly voiced their support for the former E! News host.
Catt quit her job of seven years after network bosses failed to settle a pay gap between her and her E! News and E! News Weekend co-host Jason Kennedy. And at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday (07Jan18), the network was blasted by Will & Grace star Debra who called out E! News for not paying Catt the same as her male counterpart during a red carpet interview with the network.
Frances Berwick, president of NBCUniversal Cable’s Lifestyle Networks finally responded to the criticism on Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour, claiming that the pair did not have the same roles and, as a result, enjoyed differing compensation.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there,” Berwick said, according to The Wrap. “Catt Sadler and Jason Kennedy had different roles and therefore different salaries.
“Catt was focused on daytime, Jason Kennedy is on prime evening news and the red carpet,” the E! boss continued. “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.”
Catt explained she was quitting her role in statement last month because of “a massive disparity in pay between my similarly situated male co-host and myself”, adding that after she reached out to renew her deal, she “learned that he (Kennedy)…. was making close to double my salary for the past several years.”
The 43-year-old presenter’s requests for a pay increase were denied each time.
“How can I accept an offer that shows they do not value my contributions and paralleled dedication all these years?…How can I remain silent when my rights under the law have been violated?” she questioned.
