Catt Sadler Leaves ‘E! News’: Olivia Munn, Jennifer Lawrence, More React

Showing their support! Stars including Olivia Munn and Jennifer Lawrence have taken to social media to praise Catt Sadler amid her exit from E! News over a pay gap between herself and cohost Jason Kennedy. Us Weekly exclusively revealed on December 19 that Sadler was leaving the network over a pay dispute after learning there was a significant difference in her and Kennedy’s respective salaries. Shortly after, the television personality elaborated on the decision in a blog post on her website.  “There was a massive disparity in pay between my similarly situated male co-host and myself,” she wrote. “More recently, when E reached out to renew and extend my deal, 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.”

Frances Berwick, president of NBCU Cable Entertainment’s lifestyle networks, denied that Sadler was paid less because of gender at the Television Critics Association press tour on January 9, explaining: “Jason Kennedy and Catt Sadler had different roles, and therefore different salaries. Catt was focused on daytime; Jason Kennedy is on prime evening news, plus red carpet. Our employees’ salaries are based on their roles and their expertise, regardless of gender." Scroll down to see how stars are speaking out in support of Sadler.

Showing their support! Stars including Olivia Munn and Jennifer Lawrence have taken to social media to praise Catt Sadler amid her exit from E! News over a pay gap between herself and cohost Jason Kennedy. Us Weekly exclusively revealed on December 19 that Sadler was leaving the network over a pay dispute after learning there was a significant difference in her and Kennedy’s respective salaries. Shortly after, the television personality elaborated on the decision in a blog post on her website.  “There was a massive disparity in pay between my similarly situated male co-host and myself,” she wrote. “More recently, when E reached out to renew and extend my deal, 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.”

Frances Berwick, president of NBCU Cable Entertainment’s lifestyle networks, denied that Sadler was paid less because of gender at the Television Critics Association press tour on January 9, explaining: “Jason Kennedy and Catt Sadler had different roles, and therefore different salaries. Catt was focused on daytime; Jason Kennedy is on prime evening news, plus red carpet. Our employees’ salaries are based on their roles and their expertise, regardless of gender." Scroll down to see how stars are speaking out in support of Sadler.

The actress took to Twitter on January 8 to continue the conversation about Sadler’s departure. “We’re watching you, @e_entertainment and we don’t mean your programming,” she wrote. “You need to address pay inequality at your network and the fact that @IAmCattSadler left after finding out her male co-host was making twice as much as she was. #TIMESUP.”

Prior to the Golden Globe Awards on January 7, Schumer encouraged stars to question the pay disparity between Sadler and Kennedy. “If you’re on the carpet tonight or at home post in support and ask @eentertainment what happened?” she wrote on Instagram. “We thought you would be for pay equality and say #imwithcattsad@iamcattsadler”

At the Golden Globes, Longoria defended Sadler during an interview with E!’s Ryan Seacrest while speaking about the Time’s Up movement. “With Time’s Up, we support gender equity and equal pay,” she said while standing alongside Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. “And we hope E! follows that lead with Catt, as well. We stand with you, Catt.”

“We need the powers that be, and all the industries and all the networks, including E!, to help us with closing his pay gender gap,” Dern said at the Golden Globes in a conversation with Seacrest.

While speaking with E!’s Giuliana Rancic at the Golden Globes, the Will & Grace star didn’t hold back in slamming the network for Sadler’s departure. “I was so shocked to hear that E! doesn’t believe in paying their female co-hosts the same as their male cohosts**. I miss Catt Sadler. So we stand with her,” she said. “That’s something that can change tomorrow, you know. We want people to start having this conversation that women are just as valuable as men.”

“Thank you @IAMCattSadler for sharing your story…” the Grey’s Anatomy star tweeted on Thursday, December 21. “Dear @e_entertainment your format celebrates critiques explores & exploits women in entertainment. It would be impactful if you stepped up.”

“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,” the actress wrote. “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?”

“WOW this is so disappointing,” Chastain tweeted. “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 E! News correspondent joked: “Finally, we can do the Catt&Ken show!!!! love ya Catt.”

“To my friend @iamcattsadler, I wish I could have been there for your last day on @edailypopand @enews,” wrote the E! host on Instagram. “You are one of the best I’ve ever worked with, and I am truly honored to have sat next to you. Thank you for all you have taught me about this business, motherhood and life in general. I will miss seeing you everyday, but I know your most amazing achievements are yet to come. Well after your boys of course, they already take the cake. So much love always.” 

“I love you so much @IAmCattSadler you inspire me and I’m so grateful for our friendship!! “ The Rich Kids of Beverly Hills star tweeted. “Wishing you the best always.”

“My ‘’ tweet from yday was bc today’s @IAmCattSadler’s last day at E,” the E! host tweeted. “I’m still sad but I’m proud of you and excited for you, friend. It’s been an honor to call you my colleague, friend, and mentor. This isn’t goodbye, it’s see ya soon. Miss you already.”

The E! host wrote on Instagram: “@IAmCattSadler: You are Style. Grace. Best in the Biz. It has been my true honor to work alongside you. Wishing you all the best in the future & so happy to have been a part of your @ENews family. You will be missed! ”

“Thank you Catt for sharing your story,” the actress, who has publicly advocated for equal pay, wrote on Facebook.

“I’m actually horrible at goodbyes but we are sending @iamcattsadler off tonight with so much love,” Kennedy shared along with a video of Sadler looking somber.