Pay inequality is still a problem in this day and age - and it's not just affecting women and people of color in everyday jobs. The legendary Viola Davis, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony - among others - award-winner, recently made a powerful point about pay inequality in the entertainment world.
Speaking at the Women In the World Los Angeles Salon on Tuesday, the 'How To Get Away With Murder' star argued in plain terms that she simply was not getting paid what she was owed.
As the most nominated black actress in history - tied with her 'The Help' co-star Octavia Spencer, who is up for an Oscar - Viola Davis has not seen her esteem and demand reflected in her pay packet.
Talking about white actresses such as Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore who are considered in a similar league, Davis said: "What they're getting paid - which is half of what a man is getting paid - well, we [black women] probably get a tenth of what a Caucasian woman gets. And I'm number one on the call sheet."
WATCH: Viola Davis Talks Pay Inequality
She added: “I got the Oscar, I got the Emmy, I got the two Tonys. I’ve done Broadway, I’ve done Off Broadway, I’ve done TV, I’ve done film. I’ve done all of it,” she said. “And yet, I am nowhere near them, not as far as money, not as far as job opportunities. Nowhere close to it.”
She knows her worth! However, some commentary on Viola Davis was a little problematic to many. The idea of framing her as a 'black Meryl Streep' did not sit well with people.
'When I came out of my mother's womb I came out worthy' 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
— Guilaine Kinouani (@KGuilaine) February 20, 2018
Also note how BW still need to be ushered in the shadows of WW to be relatable & palatable & visible. Nauseating. https://t.co/sqmQjucpbm
No one is the black version of anyone. We are ourselves. No one should grow up asking to be the “black” somebody but when you take into account the years of poor represention of poc... it makes “sense” why this phrasing is used.
— RaeRae (@kaseyrae1274) February 20, 2018
You can watch her full speech below.
What do you think? Is it time Viola Davis got paid what white actresses with similar careers are? Maybe you don't see the problem.
Let us know your thoughts on Twitter and in the comments below. Let's get the discussion going!
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