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ICYMI: There’s Some Serious Drama On The E! Network

llevine December 26th, 2017
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Catt Sadler attends the Fashion Island's StyleWeekOC Presented By SIMPLY on September 16, 2017 in Newport Beach, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Fashion Island's StyleWeekOC Presented By SIMPLY)

The E! Network is best known as the home of the Kardashians, so it’s safe to say that they’re pretty familiar with drama. However, usually they’re airing other people’s drama and not creating their own, but that all changed recently. Longtime E! News anchor Catt Sadler announced that she was saying goodbye to the network after 12 years. Viewers were shocked and left wondering about the seemingly random announcement. Eventually, Sadler unveiled a lengthy blog post about the reason behind her departure.

Sadler explained that she decided to leave the E! Network after learning that she and her male co-host, Jason Kennedy, made decidedly different salaries. After fans rushed to Sadler’s defense and began attacking Kennedy for not advocating for her, Sadler posted this to her Instagram, encouraging viewers to keep Kennedy out of it:

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 ????

51.3k Likes, 3,168 Comments - CATT SADLER (@iamcattsadler) on Instagram: "I couldn't let another minute go by without acknowledging the overwhelming love and support I've..."

 

However, tension had already started between the two former co-hosts. Jason Kennedy’s wife, Lauren Scruggs, took to her own Instagram to write a post in her husband’s defense. In the post, she alleged that perhaps Sadler wasn’t totally telling the truth about her reason for leaving:

FULL POST ON BLOG! I have always said that there are negatives and positives to social media, and these last 48 hours have proven that to be true. I believe in female empowerment and gender equality, but it's heartbreaking that a network is being deemed sexist when that is simply not true. At one time my husband had a female co-anchor on E! News who made 3 times his salary. Women are paid accordingly on this network, and the difference in his salary versus hers did not affect Jason. He knows there are always more components to consider when determining one's salary. _ In a New York Times article yesterday, an E! spokeswoman confirmed quote "Ms. Sadler's and Mr. Kennedy's roles were not comparable." Since Jason was named the permanent anchor of E! News over two years ago, he has had various co-hosts that rotate throughout the week. A permanent co-host has never been named since the last one left 6 months ago. _ As you know, there are two sides to every story. I am posting this to tell the other side, which everyone deserves to know before jumping to conclusions about a place he has called home for the last twelve years. If he ever heard that gender inequality was occurring at his workplace, he would take action. Instead, it's the contrary, and the numerous phone calls we have had these past two days from both current and former female employees at E! only support what he has seen in his time there. These women have assured us that they never felt gender inequality was at play at any time. _ Jason is the most tender-hearted & respectful person and it's so sad to see him unfairly publicly shamed. His name has been dragged through the mud regarding nothing he did, except be a great friend & colleague. It absolutely breaks my heart to watch, & it is devastating & frustrating to see how this all played out. I will always stand on truth, & I cannot stand by and be silent when the foundation of a story that affects my family is not based on that. I am so proud of & inspired by my husband for constantly being prayerful, surrounding himself w/ wisdom, & being the definition of a class act even in unfortunate circumstances. Love u, Jase, I am honored to be by your side.

31.8k Likes, 3,147 Comments - Lauren Scruggs Kennedy (@laurenscruggs) on Instagram: "FULL POST ON BLOG! I have always said that there are negatives and positives to social media, and..."

 

Needless to say, a heated debate has started in the comment sections of the post, with some people defending Kennedy and Scruggs, and others backing Sadler. More details are slowly coming out about the story, with a source saying that Sadler was making $600,000 and Kennedy earning about $1.2 million.

 

 

Lauren Levine is a freelance writer who has contributed to publications and websites including The Charlotte Observer, U.S. News & World Report, American Way magazine, The Huffington Post, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, and others.

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