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14th Jan 2018

Mark Wahlberg responds to paycheque criticism with major donation

'This has become an important topic of conversation'.

Orlaith Condon

The actor has come under fire for the huge difference between his paycheque and his co-star’s.

As both the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements continue to dominate headlines, the limelight was turned to the gender pay gap last week when it was revealed that Mark Wahlberg was paid 1,500 times what his co-star Michelle Williams was for reshoots on All The Money In The World.

It was reported that Mark Wahlberg made $1.5 million for refilming his scenes in the movie after they replaced Kevin Spacey, whereas Williams only received $80 per day to cover expenses.

That meant she was paid less than one percent of her male co-star’s salary.

The huge pay disparity was quickly criticised by many and was also joked about during the Critics Choice Awards last week.

However, Mark Wahlberg has finally responded to the news on Instagram with a statement that reads:

“Over the last few days, my reshoot fee for All The Money In The World has become an important topic of conversation.

“I 100 percent support the fight for fair pay and I’m donating the $1.5 million to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund in Michelle Williams’ name.”

A post shared by Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) on

The post has been universally praised by followers, even those who believed the actor had done nothing wrong.

Michelle Williams has since responsed to Mark’s decision to donate his salary in statement, saying:

“Today isn’t about me. My fellow actresses stood by me and stood up for me, my activist friends taught me to use my voice, and the most powerdul men in charge, they listened and they acted.”

The actress also referenced Anthony Rapp, Kevin Spacey’s first accusert han led to more allegations against the actor coming out.

“Anthony Rapp, for all the shoulders you stood on, now we stand on yours.”

The gap was justified by many who claimed Wahlberg’s management is known for driving a hard bargain resulting in him becoming the highest-paid actor last August.

However, vocal campaigners such as Jessica Chastain, Patricia Arquette and Judd Apatow criticised the gap publicly on social media.