After the news that Michelle Williams made 1,500 times less than co-star Mark Wahlberg for All the Money in the World reshoots went viral, many — including celebrities like Jessica Chastain and Williams’ longtime BFF Busy Philipps — publicly spoke out. The reshooting had taken place when director Ridley Scott replaced Kevin Spacey with Christopher Plummer for the leading role of J. Paul Getty due to Spacey’s numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, only months before the world premiere of the film. According to USA Today, Wahlberg received $1.5 million, while Williams made less than $1,000.
On Saturday, Wahlberg donated his $1.5 million in Williams’ name to Time’s Up, a campaign focused on defending accusers of discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse.
— Mark Wahlberg (@mark_wahlberg) January 13, 2018
Williams released a statement praising Wahlberg and his talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME), which donated an additional $500,000.
Her statement reads: “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 powerful men in charge, they listened and they acted. If we truly envision an equal world, it takes equal effort and sacrifice. Today is one of the most indelible days of my life because of Mark Wahlberg, WME and a community of women and men who share in this accomplishment. Anthony Rapp, for all the shoulders you stood on, now we stand on yours.”
Michelle Williams’ reaction to Mark Wahlberg’s donation: pic.twitter.com/iDIzLwangf
— Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) January 14, 2018
Others are not so happy about the donation.
Some claim that Wahlberg only donated in order to cover up that he asked for the $1.5 million for reshooting.
I’m not commending Mark Wahlberg for donating the money he should have never asked for to #TimesUp in Michelle Williams’ name. He did it because he got caught. Instead, I’m going to continue to praise Michelle Williams for doing the right thing in the first place.
— Rob Rosenberg (@RobMRosenberg) January 13, 2018
Regardless of Wahlberg’s intentions, I’m happy to see the money support the Time’s Up movement. It’s important that others become aware of the injustice and inequality found in the workplace and that we learn how to do something about it.
All the Money in the World is in theaters now.