During an episode of The Graham Norton Show, actress Michelle Williams opened up about her experience fighting for equal pay on the set of the film ‘All The Money In The World’. The chat show, known for its lively and candid conversations, provided a platform for Williams to discuss the gender pay disparity and the impact it had on her.
The conversation began when Norton acknowledged the progress being made in the industry regarding female representation, to which Williams responded, “It’s getting better, don’t you think? We’ve got lots of women producers out there, and we’ve got so many more people making their own decisions.”
Norton then directed the discussion towards Williams’ personal experience with the reshoots of ‘All The Money In The World’. It was during this time that the difference in pay became apparent. Williams shared that while Mark Wahlberg had received a substantial fee of one and a half million dollars, she was compensated with only $80 a day for the reshoots.
Williams admitted that she was initially unaware of the significant pay gap. However, she later saw it as an opportunity to shed light on the disparity that exists not only in the film industry but also in workplaces in general. She expressed her gratitude for being able to share her story on a public platform, stating that it became a teaching moment for her and others.
Reflecting on the experience, Williams emphasized the pride she felt for finding her voice and standing up against unequal pay. She believes that this will be a defining moment in her life, one where she became an example of women being underpaid and undervalued in the workplace.
Since sharing her story, Williams has witnessed a shift in attitudes within both men and women. Many people have approached her and expressed how her story has impacted them, leading to changes in their own companies’ standard operating procedures. Williams remains grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness about pay disparity and to be part of a broader movement striving for equality.
The Graham Norton Show continues to provide a platform for these essential conversations, reminding viewers of the importance of equal pay and gender equality in all fields, including the entertainment industry.
[Applause]
[Music]
