Scarlett Johansson's agent blasted the Walt Disney Company on Friday, accusing Disney of revealing the actress' salary in "an attempt to weaponize her success as an artist and businesswoman."
Johansson sued Disney on Thursday, claiming the release of Marvel's "Black Widow" on Disney's streaming service at the same time it was in theaters violated her contract.
Hours later, Disney fired back with its own statement on the matter, and included that the actress earned $20 million on the movie.
"There is no merit whatsoever to this filing," a Disney spokesperson said. "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 fully complied with Ms. Johansson's contract and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20 million she has received to date."
This led to Friday's statement by Bryan Lourd, co-chairman of the Creative Artists Agency, which represents Johansson.
"The company included her salary in their press statement in an attempt to weaponize her success as an artist and businesswoman, as if that were something she should be ashamed of," Lourd said, according to Variety.
"Scarlett is extremely proud of the work that she, and all of the actors, writers, directors, producers, and the Marvel creative team have been a part of for well over a decade," Lourd continued.
Lourd also slammed Disney for "shamelessly and falsely" accusing Johansson of "being insensitive to the global COVID pandemic" in their response to her lawsuit.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.