When news broke that actress Michelle Williams earned around $1000 while actor Mark Wahlberg earned $1.5 million for 10 days of reshooting the film “All the Money in the World,” many were outraged.
Director Ridley Scott decided to recast a role previously held by Kevin Spacey, who was replaced following accusations of molestation. Williams decided to waive her usual fee, while, initially unbeknownst to her, Wahlberg did not.
Williams defended her decision, saying that she appreciated the stance the production was taking in recasting Spacey’s role and reshooting scenes over Thanksgiving.
“I said I’d be wherever they needed me, whenever they needed me,” Williams told USA Today. “And they could have my salary, they could have my holiday, whatever they wanted. Because I appreciated so much that they were making this massive effort.”
Some were quick to blame sexism for the difference in salaries, ignoring Williams’ decision to forgo her own salary.
The Hollywood Reporter noted, “The reported pay disparity between what Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams received to reshoot scenes for ‘All the Money In the World’ is drawing fire as the latest example — and one of the most flagrant illustrations — of gender inequality in Hollywood.”
But this is not an example of unequal treatment. It is an example of a woman choosing not to ask for a salary when a man did. Williams had the same opportunity to ask to be paid more, but didn’t take it.
Following outrage at the pay disparity, Wahlberg has offered to donate his earnings to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal support for those who have been sexually harassed in the workplace.
Anyone — and any woman in particular— should take away two lessons from Williams’ choice.
First, if you feel that you are being treated unjustly, don’t be afraid to demand payment that you deserve. No one was required to work for free in the reshooting of the film. Williams volunteered to forgo a salary; Wahlberg did not. The only person responsible is Williams. Perhaps she should have been better informed of the situation regarding salaries of others on the production, but the choice was hers.
In Williams’ case, perhaps she would have still chosen to waive her salary, even if she knew it was unnecessary. She should not be criticized for her decision, but instead serve as a reminder that fighting for fair treatment is sometimes necessary and worthwhile.
Second, principled stands deserve respect. Williams’ decision to do her part in helping a cause she believes in should be acknowledged. She defended her choice to W Magazine on Jan. 10.
“Something has just turned around for me in like the past couple of weeks and I feel like I’m so glad to be alive right now,” Williams said. “I feel like we’re going to create a whole new landscape for a generation of young girls like my daughter that are growing up right now.”
Williams’ position has been lost in much of the national conversation, as cries of sexism overshadow the fact that Williams made a decision based on her values. Such cries are dishonest. They are also disrespectful of Williams’ convictions and dismissive of her ability as a woman to take a principled stance, whether or not it was a wise choice.
