Fans were shocked in the penultimate episode of the fourth season of “The Affair” when it was revealed that Alison Bailey (Ruth Wilson) had died, her character killed off with producers confirming that Wilson was leaving the show.
Eyebrows were raised, however, over the fact that Wilson’s departure came not long after the 36-year-old British actress gave a candid interview in which she complained about being paid less than male co-star Dominic West.
“I definitely get less money than a male in my situation would. Definitely,” she said. “I don’t want more money, I just want equal money.”
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In a recent profile in the New York Times, however, Wilson is refuting the theory that she left the show due to dissatisfaction with her salary — while eliciting new questions about why exactly she did leave.
“It isn’t about pay parity, and it wasn’t about other jobs,” Wilson said, “but I’m not really allowed to talk about it.”
While she was unable to elaborate, she did offer a cryptic followup. “There is a much bigger story,” she added, encouraging the Times to seek answers from the show’s creator, Sarah Treem.
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Contacted by the Times, Treem responded with the statement she had previously given regarding Wilson’s exit from “The Affair”.
“The character of Alison had run its course,” Treem reportedly wrote. “By completing her arc this season, the consequences of her death will lead to compelling storylines for our final season.”
