Having a Kid Made Zoe Saldana's Life in Hollywood a Whole Lot Harder
Even though men get perks like yachts and penthouses.
Ah, joy, yet another item to stack on the Hollywood-is-sexist pile. In an interview with USA Today, Zoe Saldana says that when she asked to include child care in her contracts going forward, she got a lot of resistance from the studios—even though they were shelling out cash left and right for perks for male celebs.
Saldana, who recently gave birth to twins, said that getting pregnant became a major inconvenience for studios, and one project apparently even considered writing her out. And when it came to negotiating for her future projects, her status as a mom threw a wrench into the works.
A post shared by Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana)
A photo posted by on
Movie studios "spend more money sometimes 'perking' up male superstars in a movie," Saldana said, which can include "a really phat penthouse or them staying in a yacht instead of them staying on land." When it comes to a basic need for parents, though, suddenly funds dry up.
"But then a woman comes in going, 'Okay, I have a child. You're taking me away from my home. You're taking my children away from their home. And you're going to make me work a lot more hours than I usually would if I was home. Therefore, I would have to pay for this nanny for more hours—so I kind of need that,'" she said. "And they go, 'Nope, we don't pay for nannies.'" Saldana's rep told the newspaper that the issue had been resolved during the negotiating process.
Sure, it can be hard to feel pity for someone who makes millions from her movie roles, but if even a major movie star can't get childcare as a "perk," what does that say for the average mom who has to fork over a major portion of her paycheck for childcare? Very few American companies provide childcare on site, even though it could mean a world of difference to both moms and dads across the country. Maybe if stars like Saldana speak up, more businesses will listen.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Lila Moss Goes Braless in Baggy Denim and a Safety-Pinned T-Shirt
The model picked up lunch with a friend in a slouchy, laid-back look.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
During His Royal Tour in Australia, King Charles Reveals One Way He Won't Be Following in Prince Harry's Footsteps
"If I was a younger man."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
'Woman of the Hour' Adapts a Shocking True Crime Case About a Murderer on a Dating Show—Here Is What Really Happened
You'll be surprised by what's fact and what's fiction in the new Netflix movie directed by Anna Kendrick.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published