Disney Response to Scarlett Johansson’s Lawsuit “Sad”

Disney response to Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit by calling it “sad and distressing” and arguing that she already received $20 million for her work. The company also said the star will make more money with the release of Black Widow on Disney+. The company went on to state that Scarlett Johansson’s role as a deadly spy in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Widow’ helped make her one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, which is why Disney argued she should not be trying to get out of her contract.

“There is no merit whatsoever to this filing,” Disney said in a strong statement as reported by Variety. “The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Disney has not provided any information about whether Johansson’s contract was renegotiated to include a share in streaming rental revenue.

What Actually Happened in Scarlett Johansson and Disney case?

Johansson has joined the Disney black widow lawsuit. Scarlett is accusing Disney of breaching her contract with Marvel Entertainment when it released Scarlett’s solo film, Black Widow, on its streaming service at the same time as releasing Scarlett in theaters. Scarlett’s salary was depending on a theatrical release, and she claims that this breach significantly reduced her compensation for starring in “Black Widow.”

“Disney intentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, in order to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel,” the suit said.

“It’s no secret that Disney is releasing films like ‘Black Widow’ directly to the new streaming service Disney+, in order to increase its subscriber count and thereby boost the value of their company,” John Berlinski, an attorney at Kasowitz Benson Torres that represents Johansson told CNBC.

“But there are violations of their rights, and we look forward to proving this in court,” he said via email. “This will not be the only time when Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that they have a legal obligation to honor their contracts,” said Johansson’s attorney John Berlinski, at Kasowitz Benson Torres.

And this is Disney response to Scarlett Johansson lawsuit:

In response to a lawsuit filed by the actress, Disney has released an official statement that argues Johansson’s claims are “without merit.” The company went on to state that the star has already received $20 million for her work and argued that “the release of ‘Black Widow’ on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date.” Disney did not provide any information about whether Johansson’s pact was renegotiated so that she could share in streaming rental revenue. However, this latest development will likely keep conversations around gender pay equity alive as it continues to be an issue among women working in Hollywood today—and beyond.