Nia Long is reportedly prepared to take Lionsgate to mediation regarding a pay dispute over “Michael”

Actress Nia Long is reportedly contesting a pay dispute related to her role in the forthcoming “Michael” biopic, prompting discussions about contract fairness in major studio productions.

A report from Puck News indicates that Long is “quietly fighting” Lionsgate regarding an alleged salary discrepancy. The actress allegedly included a “favored nations” clause in her contract, a common industry provision aimed at guaranteeing equal compensation among cast members with similar billing. Nonetheless, she reportedly found out that co-stars Colman Domingo and Miles Teller were compensated at a higher rate.

The report indicates that Long is currently “threatening to take the studio to mediation” regarding allegations of being underpaid. Mediation is frequently employed in Hollywood contract disputes to address conflicts without the need for litigation escalation.

Long plays the role of Katherine Jackson in the film, a part that is said to have limited screen time in the final version. According to Puck News, earlier drafts of the script featured a more significant role for her character in the third act, which included “a key scene at the end of the film.”

The production has garnered attention due to its significant budget adjustments. As previously reported, director Antoine Fuqua received $10 million, while producer Graham King was compensated $6 million for their work on last-minute edits and reshoots. The revisions are said to have addressed scenes related to allegations of sexual abuse involving Michael Jackson.

Neither Long nor Lionsgate has made any public statements regarding the reported dispute.