Jason Kennedy’s wife Lauren Scruggs is defending her husband after his co-host Catt Sadler left E! News over a pay inequality dispute.
In a blog post shared to social media, Scruggs decided to give “insight” into Kennedy’s side of the story after it had been reported Sadler, 43, left the show when she learned her 36-year-old co-host made almost double her salary.
“I believe in female empowerment and gender equality, but it is heartbreaking that a network (that truly cares about its employees) is being deemed as sexist when that is simply not true,” Scruggs wrote.
“At one time my husband had a female co-anchor on E! News who made 3 times his salary,” the 29-year-old said, referring to Giuliana Rancic. It had been reported by People that Rancic made “significantly more” than Kennedy before she ultimately left the network.
“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 than gender alone,” Scruggs continued.
“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 six months ago,” she added.
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A statement released to People on behalf of E! and Kennedy said: “E! compensates employees fairly and appropriately based on their roles, regardless of gender. We appreciate Catt Sadler’s many contributions at E! News and wish her all the best following her decision to leave the network.”
