The long-running medical drama is once again at the center of controversy as former co-stars Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey clash over past pay differences. Recent remarks by Pompeo about unequal compensation have sparked fresh debate, with Dempsey now weighing in on the issue.
Ellen Pompeo, known for her role as Meredith Grey since the show’s debut in 2005, has long been open about her struggle to secure pay parity with her co-star Patrick Dempsey, who portrayed Dr. Derek Shepherd. In a recent podcast interview on Call Her Daddy, Pompeo recalled the early days of the series when she was offered significantly less than Dempsey—a disparity she attributes to his established status in television. She explained that his history of multiple pilots justified his higher rate at the time.
“To be completely fair, the television game was so different then. He had done 13 pilots before me—nothing personal to him, just in general, only a man can have 13 failed TV pilots and their quote keeps going up, right?”
Pompeo stressed that while Dempsey’s earlier career did earn him a higher salary, she felt that her role as the title character warranted equal recognition. She emphasized that her constant effort to promote the show worldwide and her central contribution should have been rewarded accordingly.
“I wasn’t salty about him getting what he got. I was salty that they didn’t value me as much as they valued him—and they never will.”
Feud Renewed Details
The renewed feud emerged after Pompeo’s recent comments, which reignited memories of the old contract negotiations. Critics and fans alike have taken to social media and entertainment forums to discuss the issue. While some praise Pompeo for championing equal pay for women in Hollywood, others argue that the pay structure reflected the industry norms of that period.
Background and Claims
During the early seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, Dempsey’s established reputation allowed him to command a higher fee. Pompeo, on the other hand, was new to television when she auditioned for the pilot. Her determination eventually led her to secure a groundbreaking deal that made her one of the highest-paid actresses on TV. Over time, following Dempsey’s exit from the series in 2015, she successfully negotiated a salary that reached approximately $20 million per season.
Multiple sources, including reports from People and E! Entertainment, have documented the details of these negotiations. Pompeo’s campaign for fair compensation has been framed as part of a broader movement for gender equality in Hollywood, prompting many other actors and industry insiders to reconsider historical pay practices.
Dempsey’s Response
Patrick Dempsey recently offered his perspective on the longstanding dispute. In a statement given in a televised interview, Dempsey acknowledged the context of their early contracts and expressed respect for Pompeo’s contributions to the series. He explained that his salary was a reflection of his prior experience and the market value at that time.
“My salary reflected my experience in the industry when I joined the show. I have no ill feelings and respect Ellen’s fight for fairness. The contracts were set based on different factors at that time.”
Dempsey’s measured response appears to emphasize that the pay structure was based on historical circumstances rather than a personal slight. While he did not directly refute Pompeo’s claims about the disparity, he suggested that both actors worked under different conditions that justified the differences in their early earnings.
Industry Reactions
The renewed discussion over pay parity has drawn reactions from both fans and industry experts. Social media platforms have seen a mix of supportive comments for Pompeo’s stance and arguments that highlight the complexities of contract negotiations in a competitive industry. Many viewers see the feud as emblematic of broader issues in Hollywood regarding gender and pay equity.
Entertainment websites like The Wrap and Variety have noted that the controversy is not just about individual salaries but also reflects ongoing discussions about how women in television continue to fight for recognition in a field historically dominated by men. The issue has sparked debates on whether current practices are truly reflective of an equitable industry or if vestiges of past inequalities still linger.
Contract History and Impact
Pompeo’s evolution from a newcomer to the face of a global television franchise is well documented. Her journey—marked by persistent negotiation and the eventual achievement of record-breaking earnings—has been a powerful example for many in the entertainment industry. With her recent move to reduce her on-screen role while taking on new projects, Pompeo remains a significant force in Hollywood.
The case of Grey’s Anatomy serves as a reminder of the challenges actors face when negotiating contracts that reflect both their talent and their contributions to a show’s success. The pay disparity controversy not only highlights historical industry practices but also sets the stage for future negotiations in an era increasingly focused on transparency and equality.
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SOURCE: Variety
