Catt Sadler doesn’t want to hear any excuses about why she earned less than co-host Jason Kennedy on “E! News.”
“My experience, frustration and disparity was based on Jason Kennedy and myself being apples to apples. We came to the network at the same time and did similar jobs,” Sadler explained to The Hollywood Reporter. “For people to use the argument that Giuliana [Rancic] somehow made more money than Jason, that comparison doesn’t work. They’re apples and oranges.”
Sadler continued, “She joined before him, she was managing editor, she had multiple shows on the network. It’s unfortunate that people who don’t work there are trying to be the voice for the network. The only story I can tell is my truth and the truth speaks for itself.”
Sadler’s comments come after both Kennedy’s wife, Lauren Scruggs, and E! boss Frances Berwick defended and rationalized the pay disparity, which led Sadler to quit her job at the network in December.
“Jason Kennedy and Catt Sadler had different roles, and therefore different salaries,” Berwick said. “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. So we wish Catt well, but I hope that sets the record straight on that.”
Scruggs highlighted that Kennedy was paid less than female colleagues, referring to network stars Rancic and Maria Menounos.
“At one time my husband had a female co-anchor on E! News who made three times his salary,” Scruggs’ statement on her website read. “Women are paid accordingly on this network, and the difference in his salary versus theirs did not affect Jason whatsoever because he knows there are always more components to consider when determining one’s salary than gender alone.”