"Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon Chu spoke out Monday in a lengthy open letter about one of the movie's writers, Adele Lim, leaving the sequel due to equal pay disputes.
After Lim recently left the blockbuster sequel, Chu posted on Twitter, "For those of you who are asking, you bet your a-- I stand with Adele!"
(MORE: 'Crazy Rich Asians': 5 things to know about the new film)He spoke about "tough" and "messy" contract negotiations.
"Because I am close with Adele, when I discovered she was unhappy with the initial offer, the producers, myself and studio executives leapt into action," he added.
He added that by the time the offer had increased with other concessions, it was too late and Lim had already declined.
"These things happen in negotiations, and I'm proud that she was able to stand up for her own measure of worth," he wrote. "I will work with Adele in the future and respect the hell out of her."
He also completely agrees with Lim that equal pay for genders and persons of color is "crucial" as Hollywood continues to grow and change in the era of #MeToo.
(MORE: How 'Crazy Rich Asians' movie is bringing attention to Asian Americans in Hollywood)As the news of her departure broke earlier this month, Lim spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about not getting what she believed was equal pay to a male counterpart.
It’s been a week. My gratitude to the countless people who voiced their support. To people going through their own fight - you are not alone. Also, I have only love for @jonmchu and the cast & crew of #CRA. It was/is a movement and I’ll always root for its continued success ❤️
— Adele Lim (@adeleBlim) September 8, 2019
"Being evaluated that way can't help but make you feel that is how they view my contributions," she told the outlet.
She also tweeted this weekend, "It’s been a week. My gratitude to the countless people who voiced their support. To people going through their own fight - you are not alone. Also, I have only love for @jonmchu and the cast & crew of #CRA. It was/is a movement and I’ll always root for its continued success."
Chu closed his open note with a message to Lim, "Thank you for being loud, thank you for caring and your support."
