While many were shocked by Cate Sadler’s announcement that she has decided to exit E! News and Daily Pop, she opened up about her reason for leaving the pop culture show after nearly 12 years. Her reasoning could stir up controversy but has been an ongoing issue in the Hollywood scene.

Catt Sadler Gets Real 

Sadler revealed that she was told the network hoped to keep her on board for both shows under a new contract. Interestingly enough, around that time Sadler was also told that one of her colleagues, Jason Kennedy, who pretty much works at the same level as her, was being paid twice as much as she was “for several years.”

“That was really hard to swallow, but you know information is supposed to be power and when my team began negotiations knowing what we knew, that was the barometer in which I had expected to be paid, based on the law and based on what I know to be fair. And what I believe in my heart to be reasonable,” Sadler told PEOPLE this week.

Sadler took action and requested she be paid the same amount as Kennedy, who is known for his co-hosting role for E! News. He has also taken part in red carpet coverage.

Sadler revealed that she had an expectation that the network would honor her request. Unfortunately, she also confessed, “they didn’t come close – nowhere close, not even remotely close.”

Making The Tough Decision

This is when Sadler made the tough decision to resign. She said she had to do what she felt was best for not only her but for other working women.

Sadler also gave a lengthy explanation on her website. She told fans while her decision was a “scary” one, considering she’s a single mother raising two sons, she knows the issue of the gender wage gap needs to be addressed. She revealed if it were up to her, she would have continued at the network. Still, considering the circumstances, she knew she couldn’t stay.

“I will find more work,” wrote Sadler. “I will create content with meaning. I will continue to pursue my passions while making my children proud. The way I see it, I have an obligation to be an agent for change.”

Sadler added that she wanted to tell the story of why she left her own way. She didn’t want to leave fans to create their own conclusions as to why she would no longer be on the small screen. Be sure to keep up with Enstars for the latest.

Tags: E! News Catt Sadler Jason Kennedy