Golden Globes

Debra Messing, Eva Longoria Call Out E! on Pay Equality on Golden Globes Red Carpet

Catt Sadler said she was "immensely grateful for the outpouring of support"

Debra Messing and Eva Longoria called out E! Entertainment Television on gender equality while doing interviews with the network on the Golden Globes red carpet Sunday.

Messing was explaining why she wore black to support Hollywood's whistleblowers and the Time's Up initiative, then referenced host Catt Sadler's recent departure from E!, who said she learned she was making about half the pay of her male counterpart, Jason Kennedy.

"I was so shocked to hear that E! doesn't believe in paying their female co-host the same as their male co-host," Messing told E! host Giuliana Rancic. "I miss Catt Sadler, so we stand with her. And that’s something that can change tomorrow.”

Messing said it's crucial to "start having this conversation that women are just as valuable as men are."

Longoria also made the point to Ryan Seacrest, telling him: "We support gender equity and equal pay and we hope that E! follows that lead with Catt as well."

E! did not respond to a request for comment. The network previously said in a statement following Sadler's departure that it compensates employees fairly and appropriately based on their roles, regardless of gender.

Sadler said in a statement to People on Sunday: "I am immensely grateful for the outpouring of support today. Thank you to Amy, Debra, Eva, Brie, Julianne and so many more women using their voices on behalf of us all. Time’s Up.”

NBCUniversal is the parent company of E! and this station. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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