Tracee Ellis Ross’ response to Black-ish salary disparity with Anthony Anderson may surprise you

black-ish TRACEE ELLIS ROSS and Anthony Anderson Thegrio.com
(Photo: ABC)

With all the talk about the Time’s Up movement and the pay gap between women and men in Hollywood, many actresses are finding themselves in the news and not always in ways that they appreciate.

The latest actress to have her story highlighted in the media is Tracee Ellis Ross of ABC’s hit series Black-ish.

It has been reported that there is a significant gap in the pay she receives per episode compared to her co-star Anthony Anderson. The award-winning actress is reportedly in negotiations for a new contract and the internet is weighing in.

The Hollywood Reporter has written that the co-star’s paychecks have been discussed “at length” and that the Golden Globe winner is considering cutting back her appearances on the hit show.

“With negotiations for the fifth season ongoing, sources say Ellis Ross feels that if she isn’t brought up to Anderson’s level, she may opt to appear in fewer episodes to make up the disparity by guesting on another show,” reports The Hollywood Reporter.

They went on to write, “A network source says a new deal will significantly increase her compensation and cautioned that Anderson and Ellis Ross’ roles aren’t equal given that he has been attached to Black-ish from the start and is an executive producer.”

Tracee Ellis Ross has hit back at the media’s characterization of her actions during negotiations in a statement she posted to Twitter.

“There has been a lot of conversation and speculation the last few days regarding by Black-ish salary. I was in renegotiation like many actors find themselves in during the fourth season of a successful show. I wanted to be compensated in a way that matches my contribution to a show that I love for many reasons, including the opportunity it allows me to reshape what it is to be a fully realized black woman on TV.”

“The words and thoughts that were in the original article that started this public conversation were not mine; there were never any threats. I wish I would have been called by the reporter to confirm that. Having had my renegotiation become a public conversation was awkward, but I’m grateful for the outpouring of support. I’m truly thankful that important conversations are taking place about fighting for women’s worth and equality, and tightening the pay gap in every industry.”

No word from Anderson or Black-ish creator Kenya Burris.

 

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