‘I Was Extremely Shamed’: Demi Moore Defends $12.5 Million Striptease Salary; Rejects Bruce Willis Comparisons

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As a dedicated follower and student of Hollywood’s history, I can’t help but admire Demi Moore’s resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity. Her story is a testament to the power of standing up for oneself, even when the world seems to be against you.

After earning the title of Hollywood’s highest-paid female actor with $12.5 million for her part in the 1996 film Striptease, Demi Moore faced intense criticism. During an interview on The New York Times’ The Interview podcast while promoting her new movie, The Substance, she opened up about the backlash that started when her salary began to equal that of top male actors. She justified her pay, explaining it was a fair wage for her work and not meant as a comparison to her then-husband, Bruce Willis.

1996 saw headlines blaze about Demi Moore’s $12.5 million paycheck for Striptease. However, this event wasn’t just news; it stirred up a significant amount of criticism as well. Later on, Moore looked back at that time and remarked that the response was immediate and unfavorable.

During her interview, she questioned why, at the point when I reached the highest-paid actress status, there seemed to be an intention to undermine me. She clarified that she didn’t view it as a personal attack. Instead, she believes that anyone who paved the way for equal pay in such a groundbreaking manner might have faced some form of backlash or criticism.

Although Moore realized the impact her salary had on women in Hollywood, she was taken aback by the adverse responses her role in Striptease triggered. In her own words, “I felt deeply ashamed due to the nature of the film’s subject matter, which focused on stripping and the human body.

Moore’s resistance extended beyond her salary and encompassed the films she was involved with. She openly expressed that taking on the role in Striptease was seen as a letdown to women, while her portrayal of a female Navy SEAL in G.I. Jane was criticized by men as a betrayal.

Moore suggested that the intense scrutiny she faced was due to being the initial actress to demand a substantial pay rise in an industry where males had historically earned more. Moore expressed that whoever takes the first step will bear the brunt of it. She further explained that this principle applies to anyone who dares to challenge the established norms.

During the time when she was married to renowned actor Bruce Willis, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1990s, Moore received her payment for the movie “Striptease.” Moore admitted knowing about Willis’ movie earnings but emphasized that her career decisions and pay were not aimed at rivalry with him.

Moore’s perspective on the matter was straightforward: she believed in fair compensation for equivalent tasks, not equating her work with her spouse’s accomplishments. Instead, she chose to concentrate on her own endeavors.

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2024-09-19 16:07