Nia Long Calls Out Lionsgate Over Pay Gap for Male Co-Stars in ‘Michael’

May 11, 2026

As the Michael Jackson biopic arrives in theaters and draws record numbers, behind-the-scenes tensions have surfaced, with Nia Long reportedly moving toward mediation with Lionsgate over a substantial pay gap.

At the center of the dispute is how Katherine Jackson, the Jackson family matriarch, is portrayed. While Long is a veteran fixture in Hollywood, a report from Puck News’ Matthew Belloni suggests that her compensation for the blockbuster biopic does not reflect her stature—or the promises allegedly conveyed by the studio under the contract.

The clash is said to arise from a “favored nations” clause in Long’s contract. In entertainment industry practice, this clause is intended to ensure an actor’s pay aligns with that of her co-stars.

However, Long reportedly discovered that her male colleagues, Colman Domingo (cast as Joe Jackson) and Miles Teller (as attorney John Branca), received noticeably higher sums than she did. Even with the favored nations provision meant to promote pay parity among the lead cast, the imbalance has allegedly driven Long to challenge the studio, with mediation pursued if a resolution cannot be reached.

Michael

Part of the studio’s defense reportedly centers on Katherine Jackson’s screen time. In the released cut, the character does not appear with extensive onscreen minutes, whereas earlier drafts suggested a far more expansive role.

The news of Long’s pay discrepancy arrives as other members of the production are reportedly receiving sizable payouts. TMZ reports that director Antoine Fuqua and producer Graham King were allegedly paid about $10 million and $6 million, respectively, for handling last-minute edits and reshoots. These reshoots are said to have addressed sensitive scenes related to allegations of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson.

As of this writing, Lionsgate has not issued an official statement regarding the mediation talks or the pay-dispute story.

Nevertheless, Long continues to project poise, and her look has been flawless as ever.

We love to see it—go on and secure that shine!

Danielle Brooks

I am a staff writer at New York Beacon, where I focus on culture, entrepreneurship, and the emerging voices redefining Black America. My work highlights innovators, artists, and founders whose stories often unfold beyond mainstream headlines but shape communities in meaningful ways. Through precise reporting and thoughtful storytelling, I aim to document progress, challenge narratives, and contribute to a stronger Black press tradition.