‘My Rights Have Been Violated’: Here’s Why Catt Sadler Sensationally Quit E! News

Catt Sadler has spoken out for the first time since her sudden departure from E!

After 12 years presenting showbiz news, the 43-year-old has called it quits over the gender pay gap between her and her co-host.

Writing on her website, Catt began by saying, “I’ve reported from a royal wedding, the Olympics, and the Oscars. I’ve been to film festivals in France, movie premieres in Rio, and fashion week in Paris.  I’ve gotten chased by the paparazzi on camera while shopping with Kris Jenner, co-hosted shows with Khloe, Kim and Kourtney, and interviewed Kendall and Kylie back in those early Keeping Up days when no one could remember their names.

“Then, this year happened,” she continued. “Daily Pop was born. I was named host which meant double duty. Hosting a live, two-hour daytime show while also hosting E News most nights. It was creatively challenging but genuinely one of the most fulfilling years of my professional career. Coincidentally, around this same time an executive from E brought something alarming to my attention – namely, that there was a massive disparity in pay between my similarly situated male co-host and myself.  More recently, when E reached out to renew and extend my deal, I learned that he wasn’t just making a little more than I was. In fact, he was making close to double my salary for the past several years.

“Information is power,” Catt went on. “Or it should be.  We are living in a new era.  The gender pay gap is shrinking, although admittedly we have a long way to go.  And well, I learned this first hand.  My team and I asked for what I know I deserve and were denied repeatedly.

“Know your worth.  I have two decades experience in broadcasting and started at the network the very same year as my close friend and colleague that I adore.  I so lovingly refer to him as my “tv husband” and I mean it.  But how can I operate with integrity and stay on at E if they’re not willing to pay me the same as him? Or at least come close? How can I accept an offer that shows they do not value my contributions and paralleled dedication all these years? How can I not echo the actions of my heroes and stand for what is right no matter what the cost? How can I remain silent when my rights under the law have been violated?

“It’s scary. I am a single mother of two boys. The unknown can be terrifying, but it can also be the most beautiful gift. Countless brave women have come forward this year to speak their truth.  Females refuse to remain silent on issues that matter most because without our voices, how will we invoke lasting change? How can we make it better for the next generation of girls if we do not stand for what is fair and just today?”

The TV star went on to say that she didn’t want to leave the job, but that the decision was made for her, and while “this chapter is over, a new one begins.”

What are your thoughts on Catt’s statement?