Mark Wahlberg says he is going to be donating $1.5 million dollars to the Time's Up Legal Defense, in Michelle Williams name.
The two were co-stars in the movie All the Money in the World. The donation stems from criticism the film received because of the pay-gap between Wahlberg and Williams, for the re-shoots. Wahlberg received $1.5 million, and Williams received about $1,000.
The re-shoots were filmed after director Ridley Scott replaced Kevin Spacey in the lead role of J Paul Getty with Christopher Plummer, less than two months before the film's world premiere.
Spacey was the subject of a number of accusations of sexual misconduct, the first by actor Anthony Rapp, who alleged he was 14 when Spacey sexually harassed him.
Mark Wahlberg has since issued a statement explaining his choice to donate.
"I 100% support the fight for fair pay and I'm donating the $1.5 million to the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund in Michelle Williams' name," said Wahlberg, in a statement.
The Time's Up Fund was established to subsidize legal support for people who have experienced sexual harassment. It was administered by the National Women's Law Centre. Michelle Williams is one of the founding members.
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME), the agency that represents both Wahlberg and Williams, also made $500,000 donation to the fund, again in Williams' name. The organization had already donated $1 million to the fund earlier this month.
Many people, including Michelle Williams, are applauding Mark Wahlberg for his donation, as well as, his take on the whole situation.
"Today isn't about me," Williams said in a statement. "My fellow actresses stood by me and stood up for me, my activist friends taught me to use my voice, and the most powerful men in charge, they listened and they acted. If we truly envision an equal world, it takes equal effort and sacrifice. Today is one of the most indelible days of my life because of Mark Wahlberg, WME and a community of women and men who share in this accomplishment. Anthony Rapp, for all the shoulders you stood on, now we stand on yours."
