• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Shonda Rhimes reveals she's TV's highest-paid showrunner, thanks to Netflix deal

4:15
Shonda Rhimes opens up about how her weight loss brought on unwanted attention
John Salangsang/BFA/REX/Shutterstock
ByCandice Williams
October 18, 2018, 1:47 PM

Shonda Rhimes is a woman who's not afraid to tell you her value.

At Elle magazine’s 25th annual Women at Hollywood celebration, attended by The Hollywood Reporter, Rhimes shared that she's the "highest-paid showrunner on television."

“The other day I came to this conclusion that men brag and women hide," she told the audience, which included the likes of Lady Gaga, Charlize Theron and Angela Bassett.

Related Articles

(MORE: 'Grey's Anatomy' star Ellen Pompeo's secrets to success: Be a problem solver)

"Even when they don’t deserve to brag, men brag -- Trump, Kavanaugh -- and when men do deserve to brag, they are good at it," she continued.

Producer Shonda Rhimes attends LA Promise Fund's Annual Summit at USC Galen Center, Sept. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images, FILE

Rhimes then discussed the criticism that her "Grey's Anatomy" star, Ellen Pompeo, received when she revealed she was the highest-paid actor on TV.

"She said she was powerful and she said deserved it, and there was some blowback," Rhimes said. "There should not have been. I have seen a thousand articles like that from men but she’s a woman and she shouldn’t say things like that."

Related Articles

(MORE: Shonda Rhimes announces 2 departures from 'Grey's Anatomy' cast, fans upset)

Rhimes said she felt compelled to correct the "wrong" information the press had reported about her Netflix deal. Speculation was she'd signed a $100 million, multi-year deal.

“When I made a deal with Netflix, I let them interview my salary wrong in the press, and then I did as few interviews as possible and I put my head down and worked. In other words, I hid," Rhimes said. "I’m getting this award for inspiring other women; how can I inspire anyone if I’m hiding?”

Up Next in Culture—

Everything to know about 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies

June 11, 2026

World Cup 2026: Schedule, groups, host cities and more

June 11, 2026

New York Knicks make record comeback to beat San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals

June 11, 2026

'Every Year After' starring Sadie Soverall, Matt Cornett is this summer's love story

June 10, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News