Ellen Pompeo, best known for playing Meredith Grey on the hit medical drama "Grey’s Anatomy," didn’t just stumble into her position as one of the highest-paid actresses on television. She made a strategic move, backed by confidence and preparation, to secure a deal worth £16 million a year.
When Pompeo decided to negotiate for a higher salary in 2017, she first sought advice from the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes. Though Rhimes didn’t control the financial decisions, Pompeo wanted her support before making waves in the industry. Speaking on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Pompeo shared that Rhimes was fully behind her, telling her that no one would offer her what she deserved, and she had to demand it.
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With that encouragement, Pompeo walked into negotiations knowing her worth. She didn’t hesitate to ask for the pay she believed matched her contributions to the long-running series. The result? A deal that made her the highest-paid woman in network television at the time.
Ellen Pompeo’s £16M salary negotiation set a precedent for women in HollywoodGetty Images
For Pompeo, this victory was about more than just a paycheque. She understood early on that financial power meant real independence. "As a young woman, I didn’t have control over my circumstances, and I didn’t like that feeling," she said. Securing financial stability allowed her to make decisions on her terms, both professionally and personally.
Ellen Pompeo fought for and won the highest-paying deal for a woman in network TV at the timeGetty Images
"I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do," she stated, emphasising the freedom that comes with financial independence. She also highlighted how economic security liberates women from staying in situations, whether in relationships or jobs where they don’t feel valued.
Pompeo’s success isn’t just about her own career though. She believes in using her platform to uplift others. "How can I take this position and help someone else?" she asked, reinforcing her commitment to advocating for women in the workplace.
Ellen Pompeo uses her platform to empower women in the workplaceGetty Images
Her story is like a lesson in negotiation, self-worth, and empowerment. By knowing her value and refusing to settle, Pompeo not only changed her own career but also set a precedent for other women in the industry. Her journey proves that sometimes, the only way to get what you deserve is to demand it.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.