Charlize Theron calls out the the pay gap, gets a $10 million pay rise - Women's Agenda

Charlize Theron calls out the the pay gap, gets a $10 million pay rise

Charlize Theron will soon be $10 million richer after taking a stand against the gender pay gap in Hollywood and demanding she get paid the same as her male co-star in her upcoming film.

The issue of unequal pay in Hollywood films was brought into the open last year when the Sony hack revealed its true extent. The hack revealed that many of Hollywood’s leading women were still being paid significantly less than their male counterparts, even when their roles were more significant or they were the more sought-after celebrity of the two.

Thanks to the hack, we now know that Jennifer Lawrence was paid two percent less than her male co-stars in American Hustle. Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper were paid nine percent of the film’s profits, but Lawrence was only given seven. When you take into account the fact that the film made $395 million at the box office, you can see just how significant that difference becomes. This pay gap existed despite the fact Lawrence is likely the most successful of the three and had an equally significant role in the film.

The hack revealed a pay gap behind the scenes as well. The two co-presidents of production at Colombia pictures have exactly the same job, but Michael De Luca is paid $1 million more to do it than female co-president Hannah Minghella.

In an email exchange exposed by the hack, Sony Pictures Chairwoman Amy Pascal was asked if the pay is unequal. She responded: “There is truth there.”

It seems this revelation has spurred other female Hollywood stars into action. As a result, Charlize Theron took a new approach to negotiating her contract for her upcoming film The Hunstman. She demanded that she be paid exactly the same as her male co-star Chris Hemsworth.

“One knock-on effect from the Sony hacking scandal is that there will be more sensitivity about equal pay for actresses and hiring practices at movie studios,” an insider told PageSix. 

The best part is that it worked. Theron’s pay was adjusted so she would be earning the same as Hemsworth. The real kicker? This meant her pay went up by $10 million. Let’s hope this $10 million pay rise just for demanding equal pay will inspire other actresses to do the same.

Another source told PageSix: “Charlize insisted that she get paid the same money as Chris. She has a great track record, so she got the same deal.” 

Of course, Theron should not have to have a “good track record” to expect to be paid the same as Hemsworth for the same work. Male and female film stars should be getting the “same deal” every time. But until that happens organically, it’s great to see actresses standing up for their rights to equal pay and demanding fair treatment.

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