Employers tend to have far more power than their employees, which can make it difficult for workers to enforce their rights. In Hollywood, however, big name stars are in a better position to assert their legal rights than many others and Scarlett Johansson’s recent lawsuit against Disney is a prime example.
According to the court documents, Ms. Johansson alleges that Disney breached her contract when the company altered the release for the movie, ‘Black Widow’. As the latest release in the Marvel series, the movie was expected to make a significant amount at the Box Office, which would have resulted in a lucrative payday for its star.
As Scarlett Johansson’s contract stipulated that her salary was partly based on the film’s box office performance, any decision to alter the release method would inevitably affect her remuneration. Despite a theatrical release allegedly being agreed, Disney subsequently made the decision to release ‘Black Widow’ via its streaming service, Disney+.
How Did Disney Respond?
To date, Disney is refuting Scarlett’s claim, even going as far as to say that the decision to release the movie on streaming services increased Ms. Johansson’s ability to increase her share of revenue from the film.
While the company denies breaching any contract, it’s possible that the parties will agree to a settlement at a later date. If not, the matter could be resolved in a courtroom.
How Common Are Contractual Breaches?
Unfortunately, contractual breaches happen relatively frequently, although some are more significant than others. However, many people are unaware that they can take action against their employer if they attempt to breach their contract. Perhaps fearing retaliatory action or worrying about their professional reputation, millions of workers have their pay reduced, their working hours changed or even their job titles adjusted in breach of their contracts.
With the right help, it is possible for these situations to be remedied. By working with a top rated lawyer, for example, anyone can instigate legal action following an alleged breach of contract. While the specific details of the alleged breach will determine the outcome, it’s certainly worth getting legal advice if you believe that you’ve suffered in some way due to someone breaching a contract.
Are Breach of Contract Lawsuits Likely to Increase?
Millions of businesses have modified the way they operate in recent times, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it is possible that we’ll see a flurry of breach of contract claims in the upcoming months.
While many people might have been expecting their employers to return to the status quo as the world emerges from the pandemic, they may be less tolerant of breaches in the aftermath. Due to this, it’s possible that contract lawyers will see a rise in demand for their services, and courtrooms across the country could be faced with an increase in the number of cases being heard.
Although the dispute between Scarlett Johansson and Disney is ongoing, it highlights just how important it is for workers to stand up for their rights, whether they’re a Hollywood star or not.
