'Insurgent' Kate Winslet Talks Hollywood Gender Wage Gap; Says Talking About Money is "Vulgar"

The gender wage gap in Hollywood has been a major controversial topic of discussion since the hacked Sony email scandal revealed the devastating reality of how actors are paid based on their gender. On Tuesday (Nov. 10), Insurgent star Kate Winslet sat down with BBC's Newsbeat to discuss her discomfort with the topic, believing openly talking about money is "vulgar."

Celebrities have held no restraint when it comes to voicing their opinions about the inequality and injustice in Hollywood. The most recent conversations include Jennifer Lawrence's essay in Lena Dunham's Lenny newsletter, as well as, actress and U.N Goodwill ambassador Emma Watson speaking with Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai about feminism. Lawrence's costars Josh Hutchinson and Bradley Cooper have also addressed their feelings towards the wage gap and her comments.

Despite the outcry of attention the topic has received in this year alone, not everyone is eager to jump on board the "free speech" wagon. Admitting it might be a British custom, Winslet doesn't feel the urge, now or in the near future, to talk about money in public.

"I'm having such a problem with these conversations," Winslet told Newsbeat. "I understand why they are coming up, but maybe it's a British thing. I don't like talking about money; it's a bit vulgar isn't it?"

The 40-year-old mother of three refused to comment on other celebrities' remarks towards the subject, calling the situation "dangerous." Winslet revealed she's never been subjected to sexism in the film industry.

If she was ever put in a situation where she felt things weren't fair or if she was being treated differently because of her gender, the Steve Jobs star says she would address the situation head on or remove herself from the project entirely. Overall, she finds it all a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

"I don't think that's a very nice conversation to have publicly at all," Winslet told Newbeat. "I'm quite surprised by these conversations to be honest, simply because it seems quite a strange thing to be discussing out in the open like that."