Shonda Rhimes is a woman who knows her worth and owns every bit of it. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the television writer and producer who is behind the ABC hit shows Scandal, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, spoke her truth recently at Elle magazine’s 25th annual Women in Hollywood celebration. Honored alongside the likes of Lady Gaga, Charlize Theron and Angela Bassett, the USC alum shared in a speech the journey she took to own her historical moment. "I am the highest-paid showrunner in television," she said. Rhimes' declaration comes after her well-documented move from ABC to Netflix after 15 years with the network. “The other day I came to this conclusion that men brag and women hide," she said about why she hasn't spoken publicly about her huge Netflix deal, even after news reports of her deal being $100 million were "wrong." "Even when they don’t deserve to brag, men brag — [Donald] Trump, [Brett] Kavanaugh — and when men do deserve to brag, they are good at it." She contrasted that with the blowback Ellen Pompeo, the star of Grey's Anatomy, received when she bragged about being the highest paid actor on TV. “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. I’m getting this award for inspiring other women; how can I inspire anyone if I’m hiding?” While she still didn't share the exact details of her Netflix deal, with news of Ryan Murphy and Greg Berlanti nabbing Netflix deals in the $400 million and $500 million range, it's safe to say Rhimes secured a large bag. It would be no surprise, given her influence, and the fact she's developing a film/TV sci-fi universe at Netflix.

Black women show runners