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Scarlett Johansson Reacts To Black Widow Lawsuit: "Know Your Own Worth"

"Sometime before maybe you would feel, 'Oh, gosh, if I stand up for myself I might never work again or I might be blacklisted in some way.'"

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Actress Scarlett Johansson spoke in an interview about the value of knowing your own worth in the wake of her lawsuit against Disney over Black Widow. The case was settled earlier this year, with Johansson reportedly getting a $40 million payout after the two sides went back and forth. Johansson's legal team reportedly asked for $100 million in total payments for Black Widow.

"I think it's important in general to know your own worth and stand up for yourself. In this industry, I've been working for such a long time, it's been almost 30 years. There is so much that has shifted over those 30 years," she told the Associated Press. "Sometime before maybe you would feel, 'Oh, gosh, if I stand up for myself I might never work again or I might be blacklisted in some way.' Thankfully, that's changing in the zeitgeist. And honestly, I think that happening in an industry as huge and universal as the entertainment industry is really important..."

Avengers co-director Joe Russo commented on the settling of the lawsuit, saying it's good news overall because, in part, it highlights how there is a "significant change" going on now in the film business with respect to how talent gets paid.

"I'm glad that the lawsuit's resolved. I do think it was indicative of significant change that's been happening. The resolution speaks volumes about the respect for artists moving forward in this changing landscape," he said.

While Johansson and Disney were at one point at odds, the two parties have apparently now found common ground and are working together again on a new film.

"Scarlett has lent her talent and star power to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade. That she's chosen to play a key part in it for so many years, I am extremely grateful for," Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige said. "Working with [her] has truly been one of the most memorable and rewarding collaborations of my career."

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