From Hollywood to Home: Black Voices in Entertainment
- Alleged "favored nations" clause, but reportedly paid less than co-stars Colman Domingo and Miles Teller.
- Major third act revisions reduced Nia Long's screen time, possibly impacting her compensation amid a broader overhaul of Michael.
- Nia Long has considered mediation and joked she'd return for a sequel "if the price is right"; neither she nor Lionsgate commented.
Actress Nia Long is reportedly in a quiet dispute with Lionsgate over the salary she received for her role in the 2026 biographical film Michael, according to multiple reports.
Long, who portrays Katherine Jackson—the mother of pop icon Michael Jackson—allegedly had a “favored nations” clause in her contract. Such clauses typically guarantee equal pay among top-billed cast members. However, sources claim she discovered she was paid less than co-stars Colman Domingo and Miles Teller.
According to reports, Long is now “quietly fighting” the studio and has considered pursuing mediation over the alleged discrepancy.
The situation may be complicated by significant last-minute changes to the film. Insiders say much of Long’s screen time was reduced after the movie’s third act underwent major revisions, which could have impacted her compensation. These changes were part of a broader overhaul of the film, which removed certain controversial elements from the storyline.
Long appeared to subtly reference the dispute during a recent promotional interview, joking that she would consider returning for a potential sequel “if the price is right.”
Despite the behind-the-scenes tension, Michael has been a commercial success, grossing hundreds of millions worldwide and becoming one of the biggest music biopics in recent years.
Neither Long nor Lionsgate has publicly commented in detail on the reported pay dispute.
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