Scarlett Johansson’s lawyer accuses Disney of ‘misogynistic attack’ and attempting to ‘hide misconduct’

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scarlett Johansson’s lawyer has accused Disney of a “misogynistic attack” as well as attempting to “hide misconduct” by seeking arbitration. Berlinski speculated that the company was filing for arbitration “because it knows that Marvel’s promises to give Black Widow a typical theatrical release ‘like its other films’ had everything to do with guaranteeing that Disney wouldn’t cannibalise box office receipts in order to boost Disney Plus subscriptions”. He added: “Yet that is exactly what happened – and we look forward to presenting the overwhelming evidence that proves it.” open image in gallery Scarlett Johansson en 'Black Widow' The Oscar-nominee’s lawsuit argues that her compensation for the movie was “largely based” on Black Widow’s box office performance, and had “extracted a promise from Marvel that the release would be a ‘theatrical release’.’ Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free It continues: “Disney was well aware of this promise, but nonetheless directed Marvel to violate its pledge and instead release the Picture on the Disney Plus streaming service the very same day it was released in movie theatres.” As it stands, Black Widow is one of the lowest-grossing Marvel Cinematic Universe films to date with global takings of $319.5m, a figure that cinema owners are attributing to the simultaneous streaming release.