E! News exec claims Catt Sadler’s pay had nothing to do with gender

E! Entertainment has decided they want to clear the air on the Catt Sadler drama.

During a panel discussion yesterday NBC Universal’s president of Lifestyle Networks Frances Berwick took the stage to clarify the issue, Frances covers E! Entertainment where she works as an executive for the company.

A post shared by CATT SADLER (@iamcattsadler) on Aug 22, 2017 at 3:53pm PDT

Taking to the stage she said:

“Catt Sadler and Jason Kennedy had different roles and therefore different salaries. Catt was focused on daytime. Jason Kennedy is on prime, evening news, plus red carpet,” Berwick continued. “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.”

And it looks like Frances felt the urgency to speak out on the issue after E! was bashed on the Golden Globes red carpet when actress Debra Messing called out E! while on E! for its policy on gender pay equality during her interview with host Giuliana Rancic.

Catt Sadler decided to leave the entertainment network just over two weeks ago after 12 years of hard work. Her reason for leaving came when she found out that co-host Jason Kennedy was receiving twice her pay and the network refused to increase hers. She then released this statement.

I couldn’t let another minute go by without acknowledging the overwhelming love and support I’ve been receiving the last 24 hours. Leaving E was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but your messages and heartfelt comments are comforting and affirm for me that I made the right decision. So many of you have similar stories, similar struggles, legitimate frustrations and I want you to know I hear you and feel for you. As a result, I have a renewed sense of purpose and genuine passion to right the wrongs. We are stronger together and I feel your strength at my core. If I had one ask, it is to please not place blame on my friend Jason Kennedy. He has done right by me in every respect. It hurts me deeply to see that some are vilifying him. I repeat, his hands are tied on this matter and if you’re angry – rightfully so – direct that emotion at the decision makers who failed us, not him. All my love + gratitude ?

A post shared by CATT SADLER (@iamcattsadler) on Dec 20, 2017 at 8:17pm PST

Fair play.